Rehydration consists not only of the ingestion of water but also of its absorption and distribution throughout the body tissues. Because of large buffering capacity of their alimentary tract, ruminants are able to drink large quantities of water in a very short time after a period of privation. Animals without this capacity are rarely able to take all their requirements in one short session, mainly due to the problems associated with haemolysis. Some non-ruminants are, however, capable of rapid drinking, including dogs and donkeys. Even amongst the group of ruminants, which drinks rapidly, the camel is peculiar in.
