Department of Animal Nutrition, WB University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, 747 252 India
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Sixteen Black Bengal kids (6-8m; 5–6 kg) were allocated equally to 4 treatments i.e., tap water (T1), 0.5% (T2), 1.0% (T3) and 2.0% (T4) sodium chloride in the drinking water. AH kids were offered concentrate mixture and roughage (berseem hay and dried rumen contents, 50:50). DM intake was similar among the groups, however, CP digestibility was higher (P<0.01) in treatment groups whereas digestibilities of total cell content and ADF decreased iu group T2. Balances of N, Ca, P, Na and K were positive and blood parameters were not affected among groups. Water intake increased (P<0.01) in treatment groups and was positively related to its loss through urine. Results indicate that kids had the ability to tolerate 2% sodium chloride in drinking water without affecting nurtient utilitzaiinn.
