Primary ruminal dysfunction in goats with particular reference to lactic acidosis

Abstract

The study was undertaken to find out the incidence of ruminal acidosis in goats in and around Bidar (Karnataka) during the period from January 2000 to December 2003 and to evolve an effective therapeutic regimen for the condition. newlineThe overall incidence of ruminal acidosis in goats was 9.67 per cent. It was more in the goats of 2-3 years of age (48.77%) with a higher frequency in females (90.70%) and maximum occurrence in the month of October. newlineIn the experimental study, acidosis was induced by administration of crushed rice at 40 g/kg body weight. These goats were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was kept as untreated control and conventional and improved therapy was given at 24 hours post induction (PI) to Group II and III respectively. Clinical signs suggestive of acute ruminal acidosis like distended abdomen, profound dullness, grinding of teeth, regurgitation through nostrils and recumbency were observed with death of two in untreated control group. Gradual disappearance of clinical signs was noticed in treated groups and normalcy was resumed in 4 to 6 days after treatment (AT). newline newline