levels of water and feed intake were investigated as possible factors influencing the numbers of holotrich protozoa in the ovine rumen. Restricted water intake resulted in a small increase in holotrich numbers in some animals; however, a gradual decrease in numbers was observed with time in all animals on water restriction. Decreasing feed intake appeared to be advantageous in increasing numbers when the population were successfully established by inoculation in conjunction with either restricted water or feed intake. Voluntary water reduced from 800 g to 600 grams. The percent dry matter of rumen contents was not associated with level of water or feed intake.
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Dehority et al. (1970) studied this question.