Heat tolerance of goats to increased daily maximum temperature and low salinity of drinking water in tropical humid regions

OBJECTIVE

The daily maximum temperature and seawater level continuously increase as global warming continues. We examined the adaptability and production performance of heat-stressed goats with a supply of low-saline drinking water.

METHODS

Twelve Kacang and Kacang Etawah cross goats were exposed to two climatic conditions (control, 25°C to 33°C, 83% relative humidity [RH], temperature humidity index [THI]: 76 to 86; and hot environment, 26°C to 39°C, 81% RH, THI: 77 to 94) and two salt levels in drinking water (0% and 0.4% NaCl). The experimental design was a Latin Square (4×4) with four treatments and four periods (28 days each).

RESULTS

Temperature of the rectal, skin, and udder, and respiration rate rose, reached a maximum level on the first day of heat exposures, and then recovered. Plasma sodium rose at 0.4% NaCl level, while the hot environment and salinity treatments increased the drinking water to dry matter (DM) intake ratio. Water excretion was elevated in the hot environment but lowered by the increase in salinity. Total lying time increased, whereas change position frequency decreased in the hot condition. Lying and ruminating and total ruminating time increased and explained the enhanced DM digestibility in the hot conditions.

CONCLUSION

The goats exhibited a high level of plasma sodium as salinity increased, and they demonstrated physiological and behavioral alterations while maintaining their production performances under increasing daily maximum temperatures.

Effects of Salinity Levels of Drinking Water on Water Intake and Loss, Feed Utilization, Body Weight, Thermoregulatory Traits, and Blood Constituents in Growing and Mature Blackhead Ogaden Sheep and Somali Goats

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of drinking water salinity levels on water intake and loss, feed intake and digestion, body weight (BW), thermoregulation, and blood characteristics on growing and mature (18.8 ± 0.39 and 21.8 ± 0.40 kg BW, and 0.6-1 and 1.5-2 years of age, respectively) Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats. The animals were assigned to a 4 (water salinity) × 2 (sheep and goat species) × 2 (growing and mature animals) factorial arrangement for the 60-day experimental period and 10-day digestibility determination. Water treatments were fresh water (FRW) and low (SW-L), moderate (SW-M), and high (SW-H) levels of salinity (i.e., the addition of NaCl to obtain 10, 13.5, and 17 g of total dissolved salts (TDSs)/L, respectively). The salinity of drinking water did not affect feed intake, BW, thermoregulatory traits (respiration rate, rectal temperature, and heart rate), or blood parameters (p > 0.05); however, drinking water, total water intake, urine excretion, and total water loss increased (p < 0.01) while apparent dry matter digestibility decreased quadratically (p < 0.01) with increasing water salinity. Analysis of the interaction between water treatment and species showed that PCV (p = 0.059) and hemoglobin (p = 0.070) levels tended to be higher in sheep than in goats drinking FRW, and AST activities were greater (p = 0.036) in goats consuming SW-M than in sheep consuming water with the same salinity level. In conclusion, increasing the salinity level of drinking water by adding NaCl to up to 17 g/L of TDSs had no adverse effect on the water intake, feed intake, BW, and health status of growing and mature Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats.

Effects of the concentration and nature of total dissolved solids in drinking water on feed intake, nutrient digestion, energy balance, methane emission, ruminal fermentation, and blood constituents in different breeds of young goats and hair sheep

Understanding how different livestock species and breeds respond to consumption of brackish water could improve usage of this resource. Therefore, Angora, Boer, and Spanish goat doelings and Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix ewe lambs (6 animals per animal type [AT]; initial age = 296 ± 2.1 days) consuming water with varying concentrations of minerals of a natural brackish water source (BR) and sodium chloride (NaCl; SL) were used to determine effects on water and feed intake, nutrient digestion, heat energy, methane emission, ruminal fluid conditions, and blood constituent concentrations. There were 6 simultaneous 6 (water treatments [WT]) × 6 (AT) Latin squares with 3-wk periods. The WT were fresh (FR), BR alone (100-BR), a similar total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration as 100-BR via NaCl addition to FR (100-SL), BR with concentrations of all minerals increased by approximately 50% (150-BR), a similar TDS level as 150-BR by NaCl addition to FR (150-SL), and a similar 150 TDS level achieved by addition of a 1:1 mixture of BR minerals and NaCl to 100-BR (150-BR/SL). Concentrations (mg/kg) in BR were 4928 TDS, 85.9 bicarbonate, 224.9 calcium, 1175 chloride, 60.5 magnesium, 4.59 potassium, 1387 sodium, 1962 sulfate, and 8.3 boron, and TDS in other WT were 209, 5684, 7508, 8309, and 7319 mg/kg for FR, 100-SL, 150-BR, 150-SL, and 150-BR/SL, respectively. There were very few significant effects of WT or AT × WT interactions, although AT had numerous effects. Water intake was affected by AT (P = 0.02) and WT (P = 0.04), with greater water intake for 150-SL than for FR, 100-BR, 100-SL, and 150-BR. Dry matter intake among AT was lowest (P < 0.05) for Angora. Digestion of organic matter and neutral detergent fiber and heat energy differed among AT (P < 0.05), but nitrogen digestion and ruminal methane emission were similar among AT. Blood aldosterone concentration was higher (P < 0.05) for FR than for other WT. In conclusion, all AT seemed resilient to these WT regardless of mineral source and concentrations, with TDS less than 8300 mg/kg, which did not influence nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation, energy balance, or blood constituent levels.

Influence of the concentration and nature of total dissolved solids in brackish groundwater on water intake, nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, ruminal fermentation, and blood constituents in different breeds of mature goats and sheep

Brackish water is being progressively utilized in livestock farming across the globe where freshwater is scarce, potentially leading to detrimental consequences for animal health and performance. This study was conducted to determine effects of different brackish groundwater types on water and feed intake, nutrient utilization, ruminal fluid characteristics, and blood constituent concentrations in different breeds of goats and sheep in a 6 (animal types; AT) × 6 (water treatments; WT) Latin square design. Six AT (Boer, Spanish, and Tennessee Stiff-Leg does and Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix ewes) consumed drinking water differing in total dissolved solids (TDS) and mineral composition. Six WT were fresh water (FRW; 287 mg TDS/kg), a natural brackish water (BR) alone (100-BR; 5734 mg TDS/kg), BR with concentrations of all minerals increased by about 100 % (200-BR; 10,603 mg TDS/kg), FRW added with NaCl having similar TDS level (6654 mg/kg) as 100-BR (100-SL), FRW added with NaCl having similar TDS (12,197 mg/kg) as 200-BR (200-SL), and water with similar TDS (10,643 mg/kg) level as 200-BR by adding NaCl to 100-BR (200-BR/SL). Water treatment only affected (P < 0.05) water intake, total volatile fatty acids in ruminal fluid, blood phosphorus, blood aldosterone, and plasma osmolality. Water intake was greater (P < 0.05), but total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for 200-SL than other WT. Plasma osmolality and aldosterone concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for 200-SL and 200-BR/SL than FRW. There were no significant interactions between WT and AT for any variable. Water and feed intake, digestibilities, ruminal ammonia concentration, and methane emission were similar among AT (P > 0.05). There were differences (P < 0.05) among AT for many ruminal fermentation and blood characteristics. Although there were some differences among WT, no AT seemed adversely affected by water with a TDS level near or slightly above 10,000 mg/kg regardless of mineral sources.

Salt tolerance threshold and physiological responses in Bach Thao goats drinking diluted seawater under tropical conditions

Background and Aim

Climate change challenges with incremental sea level cause saltwater intrusion, which has affected the quality of freshwater and groundwater in coastal provinces, particularly the Mekong River Delta provinces of Vietnam. Interestingly, Bach Thao goats are predominant in this area and well adapted to saline water under tropical conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the salt tolerance threshold of Bach Thao goats drinking diluted seawater (DSW).

Materials and Methods

The experiment was performed using seven Bach Thao male goats (20.60 ± 1.12 kg) and divided into two phases. In Phase 1 (control, C), all goats were provided fresh water (FW) for 7 days from two identical buckets, and daily water intake (WI) was recorded from both buckets. In Phase 2 (preference test, PT), each goat was provided FW from the first bucket and DSW from the second bucket or vice versa. The concentration of DSW for the preference test was 0.5%-2.0%.

Results

Body weight and dry matter intake showed no differences according to DSW consumption; however, WI was significantly lower during Phase 2 (p < 0.05), which was due to the lower WI with 1.5% and 2% of DSW (p < 0.05). Goats showed a similar preference for fluid intake between FW and DSW at 0.0%-1.0% levels and began avoiding DSW at 1.5% and rejected at 2.0% of DSW. Goats consuming 1.5% of DSW showed increased respiration rate from 13:00 to 19:00 h and rectal temperature at 13:00 h (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Goats can tolerate up to 1.0% of DSW. Shifting to FW activated aversive drinking to 1.5% and 2.0% of DSW. This behavioral response was prominent at 0.5% DSW. Moreover, goats that drank 1.5% of DSW had decreased thermoregulation.

Salt-contaminated water exposure induces gut microbial dysbiosis in chickens

Microbes play a crucial role in maintaining health by aiding in digestion, regulating the immune system, producing essential vitamins, and preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria. The stability of the microbiota is, therefore, necessary for overall well-being. However, several environmental factors can negatively affect the microbiota, including exposure to industrial waste, i.e., chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants. Over the past few decades, industries have grown significantly, but the wastewater from those industries has seriously harmed the environment and the health of living beings both locally and globally. The current study investigated the effects of salt-contaminated water exposure on gut microbiota in chickens. According to our findings, amplicon sequencing showed 453 OTUs across control and salt-contaminated water exposure groups. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota were the most dominant phyla in the chickens regardless of treatment. However, exposure to salt-contaminated water resulted in a remarkable decline in gut microbial diversity. While, the beta diversity revealed substantial differences in major gut microbiota components. Moroever, microbial taxonomic investigation indicated that the proportions of one bacterial phylum and nineteen bacterial genera significantly decreased. Also, the levels of one bacterial phylum and thirty three bacterial genera markedly increased under salt-contaminated water exposure, which indicates a disruption in gut microbial homeostasis. Hence the current study provides a basis to explore the effects of salt-contaminated water exposure on the health of vertebrate species.

Impact of protein supply on the productive performance of growing lambs drinking natural saline water and fed low-quality forage under semi-arid conditions

Consuming saline water causes animals salinity stress, which leads to many adapting metabolic changes that could negatively affect its performance and the quality of the derived products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of increasing diet protein level on the productive performance of growing lambs drinking natural saline water in Egyptian semi-arid region. Twenty-four growing Barki lambs (4-5 months old) with an initial body weight of 20.7 ± 0.25 kg were randomly distributed into four similar groups for 150 days. Two diets were formulated: low protein and high protein levels (concentrate feed mixture containing 14% and 20% crude protein (CP) on dry matter basis, respectively). Within each level of CP, natural saline water was represented by low saline (LS) and high saline (HS) water, containing 658 and 2100 mg/L of total dissolved solids, respectively. Results showed that the HS water increased (p = 0.02) water intake by about 18% and had adverse effect (p < 0.001) on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance. The ruminal pH values, total volatile fatty acids, and ammonia-N concentrations were not affected by drinking the HS water. However, the protein supplementation enhanced the HS lambs' nutrients digestion and showed greater growth performance. The HS water decreased (p < 0.001) the serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased (p = 0.03) the urea-N by about 9%. The protein supplementation amended the serum ALT and AST concentrations of HS lambs. It is concluded that the dietary protein supply was affective sustainable management strategy against the deleterious effect of drinking high saline water on growing lambs.

Physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses in Hararghe-highland lamb subjected to water salinity levels of Lake Basaka in a semiarid area of Ethiopia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of drinking salinity levels in Lake water on the growth performance, and physiological, and blood constituents of Hararghe-highland lambs. A total of 28 lambs (average IBW of 18 ± 1.18kg) were categorized into four levels of water salinity, namely freshwater (510 mg/l TDS), lake Basaka water (LBW; 2600mg TDS/L); lake Basaka water plus 100% TDS of LBW; 5200mg TDS/L) and lake Basaka water plus 200% TDS of LBW; 7900mg TDS/L). The current results suggest that increased total dissolved solid levels in lake water increase the water intake of lambs while not affecting IBW, FBW, AWG, and FCR. Additionally, drinking saline lake with increasing total dissolved solid levels increased rectal temperature and respiration rate and caused a significant (P < 0.05) change in the concentrations of glucose, albumin, urea, triglycerides, sodium, AST, and ALT. Some hematological variables and biochemical constituents like creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, chlorides, potassium, magnesium, and calcium showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences. In conclusion, Hararghe-highland lambs from Ethiopia could tolerate lake Basaka water with a high salt level (7952 mg/L TDS).

Impact of drinking of saline water on hemato-biochemical parameters of Black Bengal goats in the selected areas of Bangladesh

Global climatic changes are contaminating ground and surface water sources around the world, resulting in increased salinity. Knowing the animals' typical physiological capability for salinity tolerance without compromising their health is a necessity. The research was undertaken to determine the impacts of drinking water salinity on hemato-biochemical parameters of Black Bengal goats. A total of 40 Black Bengal goats (20 male and 20 female), age ranging from 1 to 5 years, were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups. The animals of group 1 received higher saline water (12 ppt) and those in group 2 received lower saline water (1 ppt) as regular drinking water. Blood parameters of all selected goats were measured. Serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, potassium, sodium, and chloride were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the animals of group 1 compared with group 2, although serum phosphorous was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group 1 compared with group 2. There were no significant differences in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, magnesium, and calcium between the animals of group 1 and 2. AST and magnesium differed significantly (P < 0.05) between young and adult goats in group 1. Glucose and urea levels were slightly higher (P < 0.05) in young goats. In both groups, male goats had significantly higher (P < 0.05) serum potassium and urea levels than female goats. The results suggest that Black Bengal goats of the coastal areas have different salt tolerance capacities based on their age and sex, and adapt to higher salinity by changing kidney functions.

Effects of high salinity in drinking water on behaviors, growth, and renal electrolyte excretion in crossbred Boer goats under tropical conditions

Background and Aim:

The high salinity of drinking water has been a significant problem of the Mekong Rivers Delta. Animals drinking high salinity water altered feed and water intake (WI), urinary electrolytes excretion, and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high salinity in drinking water on drinking and eating behaviors and kidney function in crossbred goats.

Materials and Methods:

The experiment was completely randomized with two treatments: freshwater (0%, seawater [SW0]) and water high in salinity (1.5%, SW1.5) from diluted SW, with five replicates (five animals per treatment). This experiment lasted 3 weeks: the 1^st week for the pre-treatment period and the 2^nd-3^rd weeks for the post-treatment. Dry matter intake (DMI) and WI were recorded every day, while urine volume (UV) was determined from day 8 to day 21. Blood and urinary samples were collected on days 6, 14, and 21 of the study for electrolytes and creatinine analysis.

Results:

The results demonstrated that both DMI and WI were affected by SW1.5 (p<0.05). Goats drinking from SW1.5 had lower DMI during D19–21, and the ratio of DMI/WI was significantly different during D16–21 (p<0.05). Interestingly, the UV from SW1.5 was higher than that from SW0 during D13–21 (p<0.05). Although the body weights (BW) of both groups were similar (p>0.05), the weight gain observed in the SW1.5 group tended to decrease (p=0.056) at the 2^nd week. The concentration of electrolytes in blood did not differ between the groups (p>0.05). In contrast, the concentration and excretion of Na+ and Cl- in urine increased in SW1.5 goats at D14 (p<0.05), while creatinine levels in the blood remained normal (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

The study concluded that crossbred male goats can tolerate 1.5% saline water from diluted SW for 2 weeks. The high salinity in water influences drinking and eating behavior in growing goats. However, the adaptive mechanism by increasing urine output and reducing the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the kidney is the key function and works faster than behavioral responses. The kidney apparently drives drinking behavior during high salinity water consumption.

Saline water intake effects performance, digestibility, nitrogen and water balance of feedlot lambs

Context Water availability is often a limiting factor for herds in the arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Aim The present study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and nutritional status of Santa Inês sheep receiving water containing different levels of salinity. Methods Thirty-two intact Santa Inês lambs, with an average bodyweight of 21.76 ± 1.25 kg, were distributed in a completely randomised design with four treatments (concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the drinking water: 640, 3200, 5760 and 8320 mg/L TDS), and eight animals per treatment. Intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and performance of animals were evaluated. Key results Concentrations of TDS in water promoted an increasing linear effect for water intake offered via drinking trough (P = 0.01), total water intake (P = 0.02), total urine excretion (P = 0.02), total water excretion via urine (P = 0.01), water excretion via faeces (P = 0.04), total water excretion (P = 0.01), absorbed water (P = 0.02), total nitrogen intake (P = 0.04), and water intake to total weight gain ratio (P = 0.01). No effect of increasing TDS concentration was observed for intake of dry matter and nutritional fractions, nutrient digestibility, water intake via food, total faeces excretion, water balance, nitrogen excretion via faeces, nitrogen excretion via urine, total nitrogen excretion, absorbed nitrogen and nitrogen balance (P &gt; 0.05). No difference was observed in the performance of Santa Inês sheep consuming water with TDS concentration up to 8320 mg/L, which presented a daily mean weight gain of 0.105 kg/day. Conclusions Water with a concentration of TDS of up to 8320 mg/L can be used as drinking water for Santa Inês sheep. Implications Therefore, the water from wells, which is usually saline, may be an alternative to supplying small ruminants.

Boer goats physiology adaptation to saline drinking water

To examine the adaptive physiological responses to increasing salinity of drinking water in a choice situation, twelve female non-lactating Boer goats were used. After a control period with fresh water, in phase 2 the choice between different salt concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5% NaCl) and tap water was offered for two weeks. Subsequently, goats were stepwise habituated to saline water by only offering the choice between salted water with different increasing concentrations (up to 1.5% NaCl) for four weeks. In phase 4 the procedure of phase 2 was repeated. BW was not affected by saline water intake, whereas BCS decreased. Total water intakes differed between ages (P < .001), and increased (P < .001) from 91.6 to 118.0 g/kg BW^0.82/day and from 105.5 to 142.9 g/kg BW^0.82/day in young and old goats in phase 3, respectively. In adult goats, rumen temperature decreased (P < .05) with prolonged saline water intake, while it remained unaffected in young goats. Increasing consumption of saline water decreased plasma concentrations of magnesium (from 0.95 to a minimum of 0.80 mmol/L in phase 3, P < .001). Creatinine increased from 82.92 to 93.39 μmol/L in the post-trial period 4 (P < .02) and potassium concentration increased from phase 2 (P < .001). ALT, AST, glucose, urea, calcium, sodium, osmolality were unaffected. All measured blood parameters remained within reference ranges, indicating that the stepwise adaptation to saline drinking water applying concentrations up to 1.5% across 4 weeks caused no harmful effects. Young animals were less resistant to salt toxicity compared to older ones.