Importance of water for animals can be well understood by the fact that land animals die in 5-10 days when deprived of water. Water is vital component of cattle feed but unfortunately it is the most ignored component of animal feed as well.
This article will throw some light on the vital functions performed by the water in the animal body. It includes some facts about the water you might not be aware of before this reading.
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| Importance of Water |
1. Water gives cell rigidity
Animals' body is constantly under pressure due to atmosphere. This external force is tolerated because of the water pressure generated inside the cells which provides rigidity and elasticity to the animals' body.
2. Water as a biological solvent
No chemical reaction would be possible in the body without water. Water serves as a universal solvent because of its solvent action.
3. Hydrolytic reactions require water
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| Hydrolysis |
Larger molecules break into smaller ones and vice versa inside the animal body. These conversion often require breaking of water molecule into H+ and OH- and then transfer of these molecules to form new compounds. Were there no water, from where would have these molecules been come from?
4. Water is medium for ionic reactions
Water has large dielectric constant. Because of this property, opposite charged ions can co-exist in water without much interference.
5. Water lubricates joints
In joints, pluera, and conjunctiva, the aqeous solution free from fats, acts as a lubrication fluid to prevent friction between the joints.
6. Water as a transport medium
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| Hormones transport in water |
Water is used in absorption of feed from intestine. Transport of hormones takes place through water inside the body.
7. Water prevents heat stroke
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| Water evaporation dissipates heat |
589 calories of heat is dissipated when just one gram of water evaporates. Evaporation of water takes place mostly through skin in the form of sweating.
8. Role of water in respiration
Oxygen and Carbon dioxide are exchanged at lungs surface. The gases get dissolved in the water and then leave the water at specific locations in the body.
9. Why is water important for eyes?
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| Importance of water for eyes |
The shape of eye is maintained because of the tension produced by aqueous humor. Water acts as a refractive medium for light.
10. No life without water !
Water makes almost 73% adult weight of many species. 10% dehydration is considered a sever condition while death occurs if dehydration goes to 20%.
It is therefore important to keep the water requirements of your animals in your mind to prevent the serious losses.
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