Which of the following can be a symptom of dehydration in sheep?

Dehydration in sheep is a serious condition that can manifest through various symptoms, of which diarrhea is a notable one. When sheep experience dehydration, their bodies may prioritize water retention over normal bodily functions, often resulting in gastrointestinal upset, which can lead to diarrhea. This occurs because their digestive systems can become more severely affected when they are not receiving adequate moisture.

While diarrhea is indeed a symptom, it's also important to recognize that loss of body weight is a consequence of dehydration over a period of time. When a sheep becomes dehydrated, the lack of water can lead to decreased feed intake and energy stores, resulting in weight loss. Increased appetite is typically not associated with dehydration, as the animal's focus often shifts to finding water rather than food when it is dehydrated.

The most relevant and clear symptom of dehydration in this context is diarrhea, as it directly correlates with an imbalance in water and electrolytes. Therefore, identifying diarrhea as a symptom enhances understanding of how dehydration impacts the overall health of sheep.