Intraruminal fluid administration to goats: Effects of handling and fluid temperature

Abstract

Physiological stress response to intraruminal fluid administration was studied in 5 female gears. The fluid was given through a stomach tube. The water was cold (10 degrees C) or warm (38 degrees C) and in an amount of 7.5-10% of body weight. Plasma concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol increased significantly after both treatments. Adrenaline and noradrenaline responses were greater and more longlasting after cold water administration, but there was no difference in cortisol response between cold and warm water. Haematocrit and plasma protein concentrations increased also and the effects of cold water lasted longer. Blood pressure showed a sharp rise of short duration and was independent of water temperature. The immediate tachycardic response was similar with both treatments, but cold water caused an additional peak 15 min later. The cooling did not increase plasma histamine level.The results suggest that stomach intubation and administration of water into the rumen leads to strong activation of hormonal and cardiovascular stress parameters even in goats well adapted to handling. Low temperature of the fluid further heightens the effect. Warming of fluids to near body temperature before their administration is thus recommended.

Keywords

STRESS; STOMACH TUBE; COLD; ADRENALINE; NORADRENALINE; CORTISOL; HISTAMINE; HEMATOCRIT; BLOOD PRESSURE; HEART RATE

Published in

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
1994, volume: 35, number: 3, pages: 289-298
Publisher: DANSKE DYRLAEGEFORENING

SLU Authors

• Sandberg, Eva

  • Department of Animal Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Olsson, Kerstin

  • Department of Animal Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/bf03548334

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/95593