Urine and vegetation composition
Fig. 1 Welsh Mountain ewes in urine collection pens.
The urine of Welsh Mountain ewes is being collected at the field sites, ensuring the composition of the urine reflects the vegetation on offer. Urine is collected by housing the sheep in urine collection pens (Fig. 1) , which have slatted flooring specifically designed for sheep, and collection trays located beneath the slatted flooring to capture urine events. The volume of urine events is recorded, alongside analysis of its nitrogen concentration and other chemical constituents. We are assessing whether urine composition is related to forage type and whether it varies with season at the two upland field sites. The metabolomics of the vegetation and urine will be used to relate urine composition to diet.