Clinical and Haemato-biochemical Changes in Rumen Acidosis in South down Breed of Sheep in Kashmir Valley

The present study was conducted to determine clinico-haematobiochemical changes in ruminal acidosis-affected South Down sheep in Kashmir valley. Thirty two healthy sheep were taken as control whose parameters were compared with thirty two sheep suffering from ruminal acidosis. Clinical parameters were measured using standard techniques. Ruminal fluid, urine and blood was examined for microscopic, pH and other haemato-biochemical changes. Significant increase was observed in the heart rate, respiration rate, sedimentation activity time, methylene blue reduction time while there was a significant decrease in ruminal motility and rectal temperature. Motility and iodophillic activity of the ruminal protozoa was either slow or absent. Haemato-biochemical studies revealed PCV, Hb, TEC, serum phosphorus and sodium to be significantly higher and blood pH, serum calcium and potassium to be significantly lower in acidosis affected sheep.