STUDIES ON SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN SHEEP
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Date
2021-03
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KARNATAKA VETERINARY, ANIMAL AND FISHERIES SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, BIDAR
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to ascertain certain haematological and
biochemical changes in subclinical ketotic ewes, and to study the comparative efficacy
of different therapeutic agents in the treatment of subclinical ketosis in sheep. A total
of 40 pregnant ewes between 4-6 weeks’ of gestation were included in the study and
were divided into four groups, Group-I (Control) consisting of 10 sheep negative for
SCK (BHBA < 0.8 mmol/L) and Group-II, III & IV (Positive) consisting of 10 sheep
in each group positive for SCK (BHBA 0.8-1.6 mmol/L) and were subjected for
different treatment regimens VIZ, Propylene glycol, KETOROAK® and Cracked corn
respectively.
Clinical examination (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rates and rumen
contractions) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) evaluation was performed on all
sheep. Blood and serum samples were analysed for haematology and biochemical
parameters. In the Present study except reduced rumen motility, all other clinical signs
recorded were within the normal physiological range. Haematological analysis revealed
mild erythrocytopenia and leucocytosis, however haemoglobin and thrombocyte count
were within the normal range. Biochemical parameters like Serum Glucose, Calcium,
Total Protein and Albumin were significantly lower, whereas Blood BHBA, AST and
GGT activities were significantly higher in ewes with subclinical ketosis before
treatment. After therapy altered haematological and biochemical parameters were
found within the normal physiological range in all the treatment groups. Though all the
three treatment regimes in the present study yielded significant improvement however,
feeding of cracked corn with good quality hay resulted in comparatively better recovery
in the affected pregnant ewes.