Abstract:
The current study was conducted to examine the potential of fresh lush alfalfa to induce frothy bloat in goats and to evaluate some physical, hematological and biochemical parameters. The study was done from September 2017 to February 2018 in the Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nyala University, South Darfur State. A total number of 25 clinically healthy male goats (6- 12 months age and 20- 25 kg body weight) were utilized in the current investigation. 25 control blood samples and rumen fluid samples were taken from these animals before feeding alfalfa. The animals were feed the plant after fasting for 16 hours and the samples were taken every 2 hours for 24 hours (300 samples). Physical (pulse and respiratory rates, temperature, eye mucous membranes, percussion and auscultation), hematological (Packed cell volume, total red blood cell count, total white blood cell count and differential of white blood cell count) and biochemical (Serum total protein, albumin, urea, calcium, sodium, and potassium) parameters were measured using standard methods. The changes of rumen fluid ( color, odor, consistency and pH) were also recorded using standard methods. The clinical signs of induced frothy bloat appeared after 6 hours in goats, there weretachycardia, tachypnea and congested mucous membranes. Percussion and auscultation revealed tympanic sound and decreased ruminal motility. Pulse rate 40-120/min, and respiratory rate 10-68/min were significantly increased from the normal rate in bloated goats. Rectal temperature 36.5-41.1Co was significantly decreased from the normal rate. TRBCs 7-20×106 were significantly increased. PCV and TWBCs were significantly decreased. Lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes were significantly decreased (P≤ 0.05). Neutrophils were significantly increased, but no effect on Basophils was observed in bloated goats. Rumen fluid showed greencolour, foul odor and frothy consistency with medium to large bubbles. Rumen PH was significantly decreased after 6hours of induction, after 14 hours rumen pH was significantly increased. Serum total protein was significantly increased after 4 hours, after12 hours total protein was significantly decreased. Serum albumin was significantly decreased. Serum urea, Potassium, calcium and sodium were significantly increased. In conclusion fresh lush alfalfa has a high ability to induce a frothy bloat in goats(6-12months age), because of rapid severe changes of physical, hematological and biochemical parameters and this leading to death of the animal.
