Some effects of water restriction on apparent digestibility and water excretion of cattle

Abstract

An experiment is described in which digestibility and water excretion were investigated in cattle during periods of unrestricted feed and water, of water restriction, and of feed restriction.

During water restriction:

(a) Increased dry matter and acid detergent fibre digestibilities could not be wholly accounted for by decreased intake of dry matter.

(b) Reduced faecal water output was more important than changes in urine output in conserving water.

It is suggested that the hind gut has a regulatory role in the observed responses to water restriction.