EFFECTS OF THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE DRINKING WATER ON THE BODY TEMPERATURE AND WATER CONSUMPTION OF SHEEP

Abstract

Temperatures in the rumen, rectum, and subcutaneous tissues of four sheep receiving [Formula: see text] pounds of alfalfa hay per day were recorded at environmental temperatures of 15 °C. and −12 °C. The temperature of the drinking water was 20 °C. when the environmental temperature was 15 °C. and variously 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30 °C. during four different periods when the environmental temperature was −12 °C. At both environmental temperatures, the temperature in the rumen was higher than that in the rectum which, in turn, was higher than that in the subcutaneous tissues. The consumption of feed caused a transient increase in the temperature in the rumen and rectum while the consumption of water caused a transient decrease in the temperature in the rumen. A reduction in environmental temperature from 15 °C. to −12 °C. caused decreases in the temperatures in the rumen, rectum, and subcutaneous tissues, and reduced water intake from about 1600 to about 800 milliliters/day. At an environmental temperature of −12 °C., the temperature of the drinking water did not influence the amount of water consumed. It did, however, have an effect on body temperature because the average temperature in the rectum was slightly higher when the drinking water was 0 °C. than when it was 30 °C.