Physiological and chemical responses in water-deprived Awassi ewes treated with vitamin C

The effect of vitamin C on water stress response was evaluated in 12 dry Awassi ewes. Ewes were randomly divided to three groups of four, one receiving daily water (W) and the other two (Groups R and V) received only 1 L of water on the 4th day and 3 L on the 8th, over a 12-day experimental period in July 2004. Group V was daily administered with oral vitamin C supplementation at the rate of 10 g per animal for a 4-day preparation period prior to water restriction and 2.5 g per animal thereafter. Group V showed an attenuated response to water restriction as compared to Group R, in many physiological parameters: body weight, rectal temperature, PCV, serum protein, albumin and globulin, and blood Na+ and Cl− concentrations. On the other hand, serum cholesterol and free fatty acids (FA) showed slightly higher and similar values, respectively, as compared to group R. Other parameters showed no significant difference between groups namely, serum glucose and cortisol and blood K+ concentrations, and pH. The results seem to validate the approach of vitamin C supplementation for water-stress alleviation in sheep, however, much research is still needed to establish the most effective dosage and route of administration under field conditions. If proven successful, such an easy alleviation method would be most beneficial to farmers and producers of the arid/semi-arid regions where water shortage is a common challenge imposed by the harsh weather, long road transportations, etc.