Impact of long-term administration of saline water and protein shortage on the haemograms of camels and sheep

The effects of saline drinking water and dietary protein shortage were studied in camels (Camelus dromedarius) and Barki sheep. Nine females of each were divided into three groups. Each group received either tap water containing 0.28 g total dissolved salts l−1or dilute sea water containing 7•7 and 13•5 g total dissolved salts l−1, respectively, for five consecutive periods of 40 days each. The feed provided a percentage of the estimated protein maintenance requirement which declined progressively through the five periods. Blood and plasma specific gravity, total and differential cell counts and the concentration of selected constituents were determined periodically. There were significant changes in several blood parameters associated with salt load and protein deficiency. The results indicate that camels are more tolerant than sheep both to drinking saline water and to dietary protein shortage.