Changes

The following table shows a comparison between the maximum concentrating abilities of the kidneys of various mammals.  Data from Physiology of Domestic Animals - Sjaastad, Hove and Sand.  For full text reference see the [[Acknowledgements Urinary Anatomy & Physiology| Reference Material]]  section.

The following table shows a comparison between the maximum concentrating abilities of the kidneys of various mammals.  Data from Physiology of Domestic Animals - Sjaastad, Hove and Sand.   

Although they have a smaller surface area to body mass ratio than sheep they lose water more quickly through the faeces and the urine when ambient temperature is high.  They also have a far less developed coat.  Indian Cattle (''Bos Indicus'') such as the Brahman and Zebu are better able to tolerate high temperatures than European cattle but only when water is readily available as their increased tolerance comes from an increased sweating ability which would be of no advantage if water was short.  This dependence on water is obvious when you look at behaviour.  Cattle will not willingly roam more than 1 day from water where as sheep and camels will move 3 and 6 days away respectively.

Although they have a smaller surface area to body mass ratio than sheep they lose water more quickly through the faeces and the urine when ambient temperature is high.  They also have a far less developed coat.  Indian Cattle (''Bos Indicus'') such as the Brahman and Zebu are better able to tolerate high temperatures than European cattle but only when water is readily available as their increased tolerance comes from an increased sweating ability which would be of no advantage if water was short.  This dependence on water is obvious when you look at behaviour.  Cattle will not willingly roam more than 1 day from water where as sheep and camels will move 3 and 6 days away respectively.

[[Category:Water Balance and Homeostasis]]

[[Category:Water Balance and Homeostasis]]