Thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior of sheep subjected to water restriction and high- and low-energy diets in a semi-arid environment

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction and low- and high-energy diets on sheep's thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior. Forty sheep, non-castrated, with an average body weight of 18.85 kg (SD = 2.80 kg) and an average age of 5 months were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 diets (high- and low-energy) and 2 water offers (ad libitum and 50% water restriction), with 10 replicates. Thermoregulatory responses were evaluated in two periods (morning and afternoon). There was an interaction effect of Diet x Water supply x Periods on respiratory rate (P