Clinical and laboratory studies on acute ruminal acidosis in ewes 1-acid-base imbalance

Abstract EN

This study was conducted using five ewes for experimental induction of acute ruminal acidosis by feeding them naturally on crushed yellow corn at a dose rate of 70 gm / kg body weight after a period of 24 hours fasting, animals were kept strictly in a closed yard in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University.

Samples of whole blood, serum and urine were obtained at zero time before induction, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36 & 48-hour post induction.

The study revealed that the most observed clinical signs were anorexia, cessation of rumination, teeth grinding, dullness, depression, increased heart and respiratory rates with labored respiration, dehydration, diarrhea, and finally sternal recumbency.

Ruminal examination revealed ruminal atony in the early stages which developed to ruminal stasis later on with the evidence of splashing sounds.

A significant decrease in blood pH in concurrent with decrease blood bicarbonate were recorded.

A positive correlation between blood pH and blood bicarbonate level was observed among all cases, and a negative correlation was evidenced between blood pH and respiratory & heart rates; also between bicarbonate level and respiratory & heart rates.

It was concluded that the overfeeding of carbohydrates to ewes has a harmful effect on general health condition as well as acid base balance.