Diagnostic relevance of rumen chloride and protozoal activity in gastrointestinal disorders in cattle

Abstract

The presented study was aimed at comparing the clinical signs, hemato-biochemical changes and rumen fluid analysis, with an emphasis on ruminal chloride concentration, in major gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders of cattle. Forty-eight cattle were categorized into different groups like enteritis, ruminal alkalosis, bloat, intestinal obstruction, and ruminal impaction, along with six healthy cattle that were taken as control. Anorexia, rumen stasis, reduced fecal output and dehydration were the most common clinical signs presented in majority disorders. Rumen pH was significantly elevated in ruminal alkalosis (8.28 ± 0.15) and ruminal impaction (8.17 ± 0.18) (p