Effect of short-term water deprivation in summer on Marwari sheep

Abstract
SUMMARY: Effect of 24 h and 48 h of water deprivation on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and on blood and urine electrolyte levels in Marwari sheep of the Rajasthan desert, India, have been recorded. Body weight, urine volume, GFR and erythrocyte sodium concentration in these animals registered considerable decreases due to dehydration. Both plasma sodium and urinary potassium concentrations remained unaffected. While plasma potassium was somewhat reduced, the potassium in red blood cells increased after 48 h of water deprivation. The most remarkable response was in the concentration of urinary sodium which rose to more than double the normal level.