Effects of partial water restriction and subsequent rehydration on physiological parameters and body fluid compartments in buffalo calves

Abstract

In 6 healthy male buffalo calves of approximately 1½ year of age, water intake was restricted to 40% of their mean voluntary water consumption for 21 days. Observations were recorded at predeprivation, 7th, 14th and 21st days of water deprivation and at 2, 6, 12 and 24 hr after reintroduction of water. Pulse rate, rectal temperature and respiratory rate did not alter significantly following 40% water restriction or upon reintroduction of water except some minor fluctuations. However, rumen contractions decreased significantly during the first week of water restriction possibly as a consequence of lower hay intake and decreased salivary flow. The concentrate consumption of 1.5 kg /animal remained unaltered. Gradual decrease in body weight with increasing period of water restriction and decreased feed intake and the animals regained about 95% their initial body weight between 2 and 24 hr after reintroduction of water. Water was lost from all body water compartments including ECF, ICF and ISF upon water restriction. Upon reintroduction, water was distributed to all these compartments, as their values returned to normal either immediately or gradually.