Variation in free water intake in lactating ewes
2017
Kischel, Stine Grønmo | Dønnem, Ingjerd | Bøe, Knut Egil
The aim of this study was to investigate individual free water intake (FWI) in lactating ewes, with two suckling lambs. Eighteen ewes were housed in single experimental pens from the time of lambing to two weeks after lambing. The ewes had free access to water from a drinking bowl and water meters were used to record the daily FWI. On average, the FWI for the ewes was 14.42 l/day. The variation between individuals was large (CV 27.6%) and varied between 8.16 and 21.88 l/day. It was also large variation within individuals (CV 19.2%). Hay DM intake were the factor that affected the FWI the most. Due to the large variation between and within ewes, FWI are not a stable individual characteristic. This study is useful for farmers to understand water supply needed for lactating ewes.
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