Effect of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate or sodium nitrite in drinking water on intake, digestion, growth rate, carcass traits and meat quality of Barbarine lamb

•Response of sheep to NaCl, Na2SO4 or NaNO2 added to drinking water was investigated.•There was no effect on intake, diet digestibility and nitrogen metabolism.•Carcass traits and the proportions of SFA, MUFA and PUFA in meat were similar among treatments.•The three salts reduced substantially protozoa concentration in the rumen.•Blood profile changed with the addition of these salts to water.