Importance of drinking water temperature for managing heat stress in sheep

Title
Importance of drinking water temperature for managing heat stress in sheep
Publication Date
2007
Author(s)
Savage, Darryl
Nolan, John Vivian
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7949-950X
Email: jnolan@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:jnolan
Godwin, Ian Robert
Aoetpah, Aholiab
Nguyen, Thanh
Baillie, Neil
Lawlor, Craig
Type of document
Conference Publication
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
Place of publication
online
UNE publication id
une:11270
Abstract
Australian sheep are transported to the Middle East where excessive temperatures (>45°C) can cause heat stress and inappetence, compromising the welfare of animals in the post-discharge phase of an industry worth $1.8 billion annually (Hassall and Associates 2006). There is little published research on the importance of drinking water temperature in managing heat stress in sheep. There are also no recommendations. Recommended water temperatures for cattle in hot climates are 16 to 18°C (EA Systems 2004). This study found that as drinking water was increased from 20°C to 40°C water intake increased and that sheep prefer to drink water of 30°C rather than 20°C in hot climates. These are new findings with important implications for the industry.
Link
Citation
Agribusiness Livestock Updates Papers (Meat Quality)

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