Incidence of Acute Abdomen (AA) in dairy cows at veterinary college and research institute, Namakkal: A retrospective study for a period of 1 year

Abstract

A retrospective study on the incidence of Acute Abdomen (AA) in dairy cows was conducted for a period of one year (2025). A total number of 1936 of cattle were brought to the Large Animal Medicine unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex of Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal-637002. Among them the cows showing the signs of colic, scant/tarry coloured feces, mucous coated foul-smelling dung, empty rectum and abdominal distention were selected for the study to assess the incidence of Acute Abdomen in dairy cows. Various etiologies of Acute Abdomen were diagnosed by transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography. Dairy cows at first and second calving were the most affected age groups. Cows in their early lactation had the highest incidence and Crossbred Jersey were the most affected breed compared to other breeds. Increased incidence was observed in animals fed with both greens and concentrate as with the ones fed with only greens or dry fodder. The animals maintained on intensive system of management had more frequency of AA.