Effects of Water Stress on Zootechnical Physiological and Blood Parameters of Ouled Djellal Ewes in Algeria

THIS study evaluates the effects of water stress on zootechnical, physiological and certain blood variables (biochemical and hematology parameters) parameters of Ouled Djellal ewes. The experiment was carried out on 40 ewes divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in each: control lot A, lots B and C were drinking water containing 1 and 1.6% Nacl, respectively, and lot D drinking only one day out of 3. All ewes were fed alfalfa hay and concentrate. Lower forage consumption with higher water consumption in the water-stressed females compared to the control group was observed, as well as weight loss in lots B and D and weight maintenance in lot C. The results showed that water salinity causes a decrease in heart and respiratory rates, while water restriction causes a decrease in respiratory rate due to decreased ingestion. While water stress does not appear to affect hematological parameters in ewes, it was appear to increase serum protein and blood glucose levels. Water restriction increases creatinine and urea in the blood, while water salinity decreases creatinine and urea. These findings highlight the important role of water quality as a limiting factor for animal husbandry in saline and/or low water resource environments.