Studies of Clinico-biochemical and Pathological Changes in the Urea-Induced Acute Rumen Alkalosis in Buffalo Calves

Abstract

Randhawa S. S., P. S. Dhaliwal, P. P. Gupta, A. K. Ahuja, S. S. R a th 0 r : Studies on Clinico-biochemical and Pathological Changes in the Urea-Induced Acute Rumen Alkalosis in Buffalo Calves. Acta vet. Brno, 58, 1989: 225-243. Peracute rumen alkalosis was induced by intraruminal administration of urea @ 1.25 g/kg. b. wt. as a single dose in six healthy male Murrah buffalo calves of about 1 -2 years age. Peracute ammonia toxicity resulted in profuse salivation, ruminal stress, incoordination, recumbency followed by clonic convulsions, frequency of which increased with the progression of the condition, dyspnea, hyperpnea, tachycardia, opisthotonus, pupillary dilatation followed by death of the animals between 60-150 mts. It was observed that a linear relationship exists between death time and body weight of the calf with the same dose rate. Electrocardiographic studies revealed ventricular fibrillation with superimposition of P wave over T wave. The cardiac potentials gave rise to random osci11ations. Studies on liver function tests revealed that ammonia toxicity markedly affects the functional status of the liver as indicated by increase in serum enzymatic activities of arginase, glutamic oxalotransaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase with increase in the half life of B.S.P. excretion rate which was subsequently confirmed by histopathological observations. Histopathological changes in the digestive system revealed exfoliation of the epithelial lining of the mucous membrane of the rumen, lymphocytic abomasitis, and necrotic enteritis. Other significant histopathological alterations were follicular cholecystitis, meningo-encephalitis, lymphocytic nephritis and cystitis, and alveolar emphysema. Intoxication, ECG, rumen liquor, blood, urineSudden changes in the dietary constituents with consumption of excess amounts of protein-rich concentrates and/or non-protein nitrogenous compounds has resulted in frequent occurrence of rumen alkalosis in ruminants. The disease is characterised by excessive production of ammonia in the rumen which may produce gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, circulatory and nervous disturbances (Chalupa 1968; Parkins et aI.

Epidemiological and Diagnostic Studies on Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows

“…These results similar to the results reported by Slyter, (1976) ;Dirksen, (1990); This could be ascribed to the destruction of normal micro flora (cellulolytic bacteria) and a shift in their pattern from predominantly Gram negative to amylolytic Gram positive nature and this agree with Randhawa et al (1989). There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in ruminal protozoa motility in SARA positive-cows (tab.2).…”

Effects of altering diet carbohydrate profile and physical form on zoo‐housed giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

“…In dairy cattle, similar ranges of forage:concentrate (40:60–30:70) using high starch concentrates have been used to experimentally induce subclinical ruminal acidosis (Krajcarski‐Hunt et al, 2002). However, carbohydrate sources differ in their ruminal impacts (Randhawa et al, 1982). In that study, when crushed wheat, a feed high in starch, or molasses, a feed high in sugar/sucrose, were used to induce ruminal acidosis in buffalo calves ( Bubalus bubalis ), exfoliation and ulceration of the ruminal tissues were only reported for animals receiving wheat.…”

Rumen Microbiology: From Evolution to Revolution

“…When larger doses were given, urea caused toxic effects and even death of ruminants. In buffaloes, a urea dose of 1.25 g/kg body weight caused similar symptoms and death after 60-150 min (Randhawa et al 1989 ). However, feeding 200 g properly mixed in the daily feed did not result in unfavorable effects.…”

“…Those fed with a ration having 2.8 % urea were normal. There are no characteristic lesions on postmortem examination, but most cases show generalized exfoliation of mucosa, edema and degeneration of rumen mucosa, necrotic enteritis, congestion and hemorrhages in the brain, and lymphocytic infi ltrations of the heart, lungs, and kidney (Randhawa et al 1989 ). When larger doses were given, urea caused toxic effects and even death of ruminants.…”