Recurrent 3-day cycles of water deprivation for over a month depress mating behaviour but not semen characteristics of adult rams

This study aimed to investigate the effect of water deprivation (WD) on reproductive traits of rams. Ten mature
rams were used and allocated to two groups balanced for body weight. Control (C) rams had free access to drinking
water, while water-restricted rams (WD) were deprived from water for 3 consecutive days and early on the
morning of day 4, they had ad libitum access to water for 24 h, similar to C animals. The experiment lasted
32 days, that is eight 4-day cycles of water deprivation and subsequent watering. Feed and water intake were significantly
affected by water deprivation; in comparison with C rams, WD rams reduced their feed intake by 18%.
During the watering day of the deprivation cycle, WD rams consumed more water than C rams on the same day
(11.8 (SD = 3.37) and 8.4 (SD = 1.92) l respectively; p < 0.05). Glucose, total protein and creatinine were
increased as a result of water deprivation. However, testosterone levels were lowered as a result of water
deprivation and average values were 10.9 and 6.2 (SEM 1.23) ng/ml for C and WD rams respectively (p < 0.05).
Semen traits were less affected by treatment; WD rams consistently had superior sperm concentrations than C
animals; and statistical significances were reached in cycles 5 and 8 of water deprivation. Several mating
behaviour traits were modified as a result of water deprivation. When compared to controls, WD rams had a
more prolonged time to first mount attempt (p < 0.001), their frequency of mount attempts decreased [6.8 vs.
5.2 (SEM 0.1); p < 0.001] and their flehmen reaction intensity was negatively affected (p < 0.05). Water
deprivation may have practical implications reducing the libido and therefore the serving capacity of rams under
field conditions.