Occurrence, etiological studies and clinical findings in ruminal alkalosis in cattle of Parbhani and adjoining areas

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to record the occurrence, causes and clinical findings in cattle affected with alkaline indigestion in and around Parbhani district of Maharashtra state. The overall hospital occurrence of alkaline indigestion in cattle was 16.98% (27/159). The sex wise occurrence was found to be highest in male (55.56%) than in females (44.44%). Study indicated that highest occurrence was in December 2017 (23.08%) followed by January 2018 (20.00%) and lowest in June 2018 (12.50%). In 27 affected animals, there was history of exclusive feeding of soyabean husk / Toor husk / soyabean husk along with Jowar kadbi while in 3 animals there was history of accidental feeding of urea. Affected cattle exhibited clinical signs as complete anorexia, dry muzzle, dullness and depression, ruminal atony, constipated pasty faeces, grinding of teeth, salivation and twitching of ears and facial muscles. Some cases showed nervous disturbances. The parameters like rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, hydration status and ruminal motility was found to be altered in alkaline indigestion which improved after treatment towards noramalcy.