Effects of diluted seawater in drinking water on physiological responses, feeding, drinking patterns, and water balance in crossbred dairy goats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In tropical regions, the intrusion of saline from seawater (SW) due to global warming and sea level rise in recent years is an important natural factor influencing goat well-being. This study aimed to determine the effects of diluted SW in drinking water on the physiological responses and eating and drinking patterns of crossbred dairy goats under tropical conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty dairy goats were divided into four groups (five animals each) based on body weight and milk yield. Animals received either fresh drinking water (SW0.0, control) or diluted SW at concentrations of 0.5% (SW0.5, low salinity), 1% (SW1.0, moderate salinity), and 1.5% (SW1.5, high salinity). The experiment was performed for 49 days (1-7 week). Throughout this period, daily food and water intake were measured every day. In addition, blood collection was performed on day 25. Total urine and feces were collected from days 25 to 29. Meal and drinking patterns were determined on days 31 and 32.

RESULTS

Salinity did not influence dry matter intake throughout the experiment (p > 0.05). However, SW had a significant effect on eating patterns. The effect of SW on water intake (WI) was pronounced from the 2 to 7 weeks of this experiment (p < 0.05). The water balance decreased and plasma antidiuretic hormone levels increased from SW1.5 to SW2.5 compared to the other treatments. Rectal temperature and respiration rate increased from 15:00 to 17:00 in SW1.5 patients. The concentrations of plasma electrolyte, creatinine, and heat shock protein 70 did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05). The urinary excretion of Na from SW1.5 and K and Cl from SW1.0 was higher than that from SW0.0 and SW0.5 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Lactating crossbred goats adapted to low and moderate SW by increasing urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion (Uex), whereas animals responded to high SW by either increasing Uex or altering drinking patterns to minimize salt stress.