Ruminants are adapted to digest and metabolize predominantly forage diets; however, growth rates and milk production are increased substantially when ruminants consume high grain diets. One consequence of feeding excessive amounts of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates in conjunction with inadequate fiber to ruminants is subacute ruminal acidosis, which is characterized by periods of low ruminal pH that resolve without treatment and is rarely diagnosed. Dairy cows, feedlot cattle, and feedlot sheep are at risk of developing this condition.
The present study was performed in district Kasur in University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Patoki campus and adjacent areas. Clinical examination of 35 cattle of any breed, age and sex with the history of grain overload/carbohydrate engorgement and showing the sign of Distended rumen, Subnormal temperature, Diarrhea, Depression, Dehydration, Inactivity, Weakness and Anorexia. A total number of 30 animals suffering from lactic acidosis were observed. The ruminal fluid and blood of the affected animals were collected pre-treatment as well as post-treatment to determine their pH values and serum lactate. After processing the diseased animals, treatment trials were run.
A total number of 35 animals were included in this study. They were divided into four groups as A, B, C, and control group. Group A, B and C had 10 diseased animal in each while control group had 5 healthy animals for the reference values. Sodium bi carbonate was given as a treatment to Group A animals at a dose rate of 1g/kg of body weight orally once, Magnesium hydroxide was given as a treatment to Group B animals at a dose rate of 500/450kg of body weight orally once and a combination of Ginger and Ajwain was as a treatment to Group C animals at a dose rate of 100g + 100g orally once. No treatment was given to control group of 5 healthy animals. Ruminal fluid samples and blood samples of all animals were collected for pH and serum lactate values.
Grain engorgement is the managmental disease of cattle in district Kasur.A survey was conducted for a period of 6 months. Convenient sampling was adopted. 5ml of whole blood was collected into test tube from jugular vein using 16 gauge needle and was allowed to clot at room temperature for 1hr to obtain serum.
Serum pH was measured by using vide range of pH indicator paper and pH meter. The ruminal fluid was collected through stomach tube. Ruminal fluid pH wasmeasured by using pH indicator paper and pH meter. A detail predesigned questionnaire was developed for data collection according to inclusion criteria i.e. age, breed, sex, history, severity of signs, management system and vaccination etc.
Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA technique. After this study we are able to know and reduce the major causes & risk factors associated with grain engorgement in large Ruminants.We are able to adopt the different protocols for diagnosis and treatment of grain engorgement.