The preference for water nipples vs. water bowls in pregnant ewes

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study included 6 groups of 6 pregnant ewes with a change-over design. In period 1 group 1, 2 and 3 had access to the water nipples and group 4, 5 and 6 had access to water bowls and vice versa in period 2. In period 3 all six groups had access to both types of water dispensers. The ewes’ water intake was significantly higher when drinking only from water nipples (3.27 ± 0.29 l/ewe and day) than only from water bowls (2.04 ± 0.22 l/ewe and day) (F = 78.28, P < 0.001). The water wastage for nipples was 36% of water usage and negligible for bowls. When offered both dispensers the ewes' water intake tended to be higher from water nipples (t = 0.69, P < 0.10), and there seemed to be no specific preference for water nipples or bowls in ewes.