Clinical and laboratory investigation on ewes suffered from acute ruminal acidosis 2-effect of ruminal acidosis on some ruminal and blood parameters

Abstract EN

An experimental work was carried in farm of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt on five ewes aged between 2-2.5 years, and their body weights were ranged between 50-55 kg.

All ewes were adapted for four weeks and dewormed by albendazol.

Experimental induction of acute ruminal acidosis was carried by feeding on crushed yellow corn at a dose rate of 70 gm / kg body weight after a period of 24 hours fasting.

Clinical examination was carried along the experiment.

Serum and ruminal fluid samples were obtained at zero time before induction and 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36 & 48-hour post induction.

Serum samples, and ruminal fluid samples were used for biochemical colorimetric determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose and lactate concentration while lactic and acetic acid were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The most evidenced clinical signs included dullness, anorexia, cessation of rumination, grinding of teeth, marked increased of heart and respiratory rates up to 140 and 72 / minute respectively with labored respiration, dehydration, diarrhea, and later depression with sternal recumbency.

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

Biochemical analysis of ruminal fluid revealed a highly significant increase in chloride and glucose levels with a highly significant decrease in sodium and potassium levels, lactic acid recorded a highly significant increase while acetic acid recorded non-significant changes.

Serum biochemical analysis recorded a highly significant hypokalemia, a highly significant increase in lactate & significant hyperglycemia with no significant changes in sodium and chloride.