Effect of dehydration on feed intake and dry matter digestibility in desert (black Bedouin) and non-desert (Swiss Saanen) goats fed on lucerne hay.

Food consumption decreases with the lengthening of the period of dehydration in both breeds in a similar manner. However, in comparison, the Saanen goats reduced their dry matter intake and consequently their water intake much more than the Bedouin goats. Apparent digestibility of dry matter increased significantly in both breeds during dehydration, the response being larger in the Saanen goats. Bedouin goats are capable of maintaining during 3 days of dehydration a level of consumption which is well above their maintenance requirements while the Saanen goats consumed only the amount of feed which is needed to satisfy their maintenance requirements.