Investigation of hematological and biochemical parameters, clinical findings and rumen content in the different phases of experimental ruminal acidosis in sheep

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and laboratory findings of 12 g/kg and 18 g/kg of glucose-induced different phases of experimental ruminal acidosis. The materials of the study were consisted 12 healthy rams ages between 2-3 and 51-62 kg of weight. Rams were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group of 12 g/kg BW and the second 18 g/kg BW glucose were given for created ruminal acidosis. The clinical examination, hematological and biochemical (serum and rumen contents) analysis of two groups were made during the research. Statistical analysis was determined in different hours within a group, and in the form of inter-group comparison in the same hours. Loss of appetite, teeth grinding, groaning, forming a soft consistency stool or diarrhea, and dehydration, no rumen movements were observed in acidotic sheep. Increased body temperature and pulse frequency, respiratory frequency, were not changed while rumen movements decreased.In hematologic; only in 15 hours a significant increase were recorded in hematocrit value (p<0.05). There were no significant change in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration while significant change in (p<0.05) was detected in total white blood cell count in first group. Erythrocyte count, hematocrit value, hemoglobin concentration and total white blood cell count were increased significantly (p<0.05) in second group.Serum ALP, AST and ALT activities in the enzyme level changes were not found as clinically meaningful. In the first group in 15 and 24 hours, in the second group in 12 hours a significant increase (p<0.05) were determined in BUN concentration. In Mg concentration of significant (p<0.05) reduction was detected in 48 hours in the first group, and 15 and 24 hours in the second group. In the both groups serum Na and Cl concentrations increased (p<0.05) while the concentration of K was found to decrease (p<0.05).The changes were seen in color and odor of rumen contents in the meantime infusoria decreased even completely disappear. These changes began earlier and later recovered were seen with increasing the dose of glucose. Decreased were occurred in rumen contents pH in acidotic animals and the faster and more prominent decrease in pH were determined depending increasing glucose dose. Increased proportion of acetate, decreased for propionate and butyrate ratios meanwhile increasing of glucose dose affects the rate of acetate and propionate, but for butyrate did not affect the rate.As a result, evaluation of clinical and laboratory findings in ruminal acidotic animals those finding must be consideration for determination of prognosis and treatment planning was concluded.Key words: Sheep, experimental, ruminal acidosis, glucose, clinical, hematological, biochemical.