Factors affecting the water and food intakes of European and zebu-type cattle

Abstract

1. The water and food intakes of sixteen grade Shorthorn and Boran zebu steers have been studied.2. A difference has been shown in the water requirements of Shorthorn and Boran cattle.3. Modest supplementation with salt, of animals on an otherwise sodium deficient diet, had no significant effect on either water or food consumption.4. Differences in environmental temperatures are suggested to explain the higher intake of water in one of the experimental periods. The increased water intake for the Borans was less than half that for the Shorthorns, only the increase for the latter being significant.