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Concentrate feed sheep to prevent rumen acidosis
It is widely known that feeding sheep with concentrates can lead to seizures, but when the diet is imbalanced—especially with an overuse of high-concentrate feeds like corn, broad beans, peas, barley, rice, and bran—it can be harmful. Excessive concentrate feeding may not only cause digestive issues but also increase the risk of conditions such as ruminal acidosis and even tumors in sheep.
Acute cases of ruminal acidosis often develop quickly. Before feeding, affected sheep may appear normal in terms of appetite and milk production. However, after eating, they may become lethargic, show unstable walking, experience shortness of breath, have rapid heartbeats, and die within 3 to 5 hours. Just before death, they might extend their tongues, shake their heads, squeal, and produce frothy, blood-tinged fluid from their mouths.
In more gradual cases, sheep may initially show signs of excitement, such as head shaking, followed by depression, loss of appetite, and clouded eyes. Their conjunctiva may become red, and their eyes may sink into their sockets, showing severe dehydration. Some ewes may lie down after lambing, exhibit nasal discharge, have a dry mouth, and appear sluggish. Their left abdomen may swell, and when touched, the rumen contents feel soft and dough-like.
Most affected sheep maintain a normal body temperature, though some may show slight increases early or late in the disease. Many drink excessively, urinate little, or stop urinating altogether, and may suffer from diarrhea. Ruminal acidosis can develop rapidly, and many acute cases go unnoticed until it's too late. The best prevention is to limit the amount of concentrates fed, especially cereal-based ones, according to recommended guidelines for different types of sheep.
For pregnant or nursing ewes, who are more vulnerable, it’s important to provide high-quality roughage. When mixing fine feed with dry fodder, the amount should not exceed 250–500 grams per meal. If large amounts of concentrates or milk are needed, adding 2% sodium bicarbonate to the diet can help prevent acidosis.
When treating affected sheep, a comprehensive approach is essential:
1. Administer 500–1000 ml of physiological saline or 10% glucose and sodium chloride intravenously to increase blood volume and restore electrolytes.
2. Give 20–30 ml of 5% sodium bicarbonate intravenously to correct pH levels and relieve acidosis.
3. Inject antibiotics intramuscularly to prevent secondary infections.
4. For sheep showing signs of excitement, administer 25–30 ml of 20% mannitol or 25% sorbitol intravenously to calm them down.
5. Once symptoms improve and dehydration is reduced, give 20–30 ml of calcium gluconate intravenously to support heart function, strengthen resistance, and reduce vascular leakage.
By following these preventive and treatment measures, farmers can significantly reduce the occurrence and impact of ruminal acidosis in their flocks.