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Six Sudan desert lambs and six desert kids were subjected to five days of water deprivation and fed on dry Abu-70 forage (Sorghum vulgaris, var) (CP 5.2%). Dry matter digestibility (DMD) and nitrogen utilization were studied with or without water. During water deprivation animals significantly reduced (P < 0.05) DMI. The reduction was 27.7% in lambs and 19.7% in kids. The reduction in DMI was compensated by a significant improvement in DMD. Lambs improved DMD by 8.4% while kids by 14.4%.

Nitrogen intake was significantly reduced by the treatment. Urinary N excretion was significantly reduced in lambs (30% reduction) while the reduction in kids was not significant (17%). Faccal N was significantly reduced in both species, lambs were more efficient in this respect. During daily watering period animals were in negative N balance. Water deprivation significantly improved N balance in both species but was still slightly negative. Comparing the two species there were no major significant differences except that in kids the percent increase in DMD, due to water deprivation, was greater than in lambs. Short period of water deprivation is rather beneficial to desert lambs and kids, it improves DMD and nitrogen retention.