Water metabolism and dehydration in two types of cattle given poor and good quality roughages

Five male calves from each of two contrasting types of zebu cattle (Bosindicus) were selected. These were a riverine type (Butana) and a desert type (Baggara). Changes in body weight and body temperature were observed during summer (25°C min. to 42°C max.). Calves were fed either poor or good quality roughage. The desert type possessed higher total body water and fluid compartments, which decreased significantly on dehydration. The riverine type showed greater food and water intake with both feeds with a concomitant increase in water turnover. The desert type showed decreased body weight with lucerne hay. In both types, the fall in body weight on dehydration and recovery on rehydration were greater with lucerne hay.