Summary
This controlled experimental study provides empirical quantification of sheep urination patterns and nitrogen excretion, addressing a significant knowledge gap in grazing system nitrogen cycling. By directly measuring 193 urination events from six animals across two pasture types, the authors establish baseline data on frequency (8–11 times daily), volume, and chemical composition of sheep urine. These findings are essential for refining models of reactive nitrogen losses from grazed grasslands and informing management strategies to mitigate environmental impacts.
UK applicability
The study was conducted under United Kingdom conditions and directly informs grazing management and nitrogen loss predictions for UK pastoral farming systems. These baseline measurements are applicable to UK grassland-based sheep production and support evidence-based mitigation of ammonia and nitrate losses from UK livestock farms.
Key measures
Urination frequency (events per day), urine volume per event (mL), total daily urine volume (L), urinary nitrogen concentration (g N/L), and daily nitrogen excretion (g N/day)
Outcomes reported
The study measured urination frequency, volume, and nitrogen content from sheep under controlled conditions, recording 193 urination events from six animals across two pasture types. The findings quantify urine deposition characteristics critical for modelling nitrogen cycling and environmental losses in grazed grassland systems.
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