Effect of Naturally High Sulfur Water Intake on the Growth Performance of Lambs

Abstract

Twelve cross-bred lambs, 4 months of age averaging 20 kg body weight were used. Lambs were divided randomly into 2 groups of 6 animals. Each group consisted of 3 lambs of each sex. The control group received normal drinking water (2252.80 ppm total dissolved solids containing, 254.4 ppm sulfur), and the treatment group received naturally high sulfur water (3174.0 ppm total dissolved solids containing 1027.2 ppm sulfur). The experiment lasted 10 weeks with water intake being recorded daily for the first 7 weeks and body weight recorded each week of the experiment. Mixed hay was provided ad libitum and a supplement concentrate diet of about 600 grams/ head/ day was provided throughout the experimental period. The results showed no significant effect of water treatment on either water consumption or on body growth performance. Male lambs gained more weight than females (p < 0.5). Meat quality testing and histological examinations of the caracasses of both sexes showed no significant treatment effects.

The results indicated no apparent effects of using naturally high sulfur water for sheep drinking. However, further investigation is needed to study the effects of sulfur and other dissolved solids in water on physiological performance of ruminants.