BODY-MASS LOSS AND BODY-FLUID SHIFTS DURING DEHYDRATION IN DORPER SHEEP

Dorper sheep are raised in extreme desert areas. Body mass loss and body fluid shifts were measured in Dorper rams denied water for 4 days and offered only wheat straw. The rams lost 16.3 % body mass, 22.0 % total body water volume, 35.1 % extracellular fluid volume and 41.7 % plasma volume. On first drinking following dehydration, Dorpers were able to consume 19.7% of their dehydrated body mass and 100.3 % of their body mass loss. It was concluded that Dorpers can survive in harsh deserts through their ability to withstand dehydration and quickly replenish body mass losses when water becomes available.