Effect of watering frequencies on water intake and drinking behaviour of Surti goats

Abstract

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of different watering frequencies on water intake
and drinking behaviour of Surti goats under intensive production system during hot dry and hot humid
season. Eighteen adult farm born dry non pregnant female Surti goats (20 - 30 kg) were divided randomly
on the basis of body weight comprising of six animals in each treatment viz., T1: Control (watering thrice a
day), T2: (12 hrs watering interval – watering twice a day), T3: (24 hrs watering interval – watering once a
day). The water intake and total water intake time (sec.) of experimental animals were significantly (P < 0.05)
influenced by different watering frequencies and seasons. Moreover, rehydration influenced significantly (P
< 0.05) the water intake and drinking behaviour in terms of total water intake time (sec.) and water intake
(ml/sec.) of goat. The results indicated that the adult goat should be given ad libitum water at least twice
a day to maximize water intake in hot dry and hot humid season.