Authors : B.S. Saini, N. Kataria and L.N. Sankhala
Abstract: In the present investigation, the Extracellular Fluid (ECF) volume and serum electrolytes were determined in healthy adult female Marwari sheep during control, thirst, drinking and recovery periods. The control mean value of ECF volume was 9.187±0.332. Advancement in thirst period resulted in gradual deficit in ECF volume and on days 5 of thirst period 35.278% change was observed in ECF volume. Immediately after rehydration, replenishment was only 13.824%. Even on day 10 of recovery period, replenishment was not complete in ECF volume. The mean values of various serum electrolytes viz., calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride and sodium increased significantly (p≤0.05) as the days progressed except potassium which decreased significantly (p≤0.05). On day 5 of thirst period, the values of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride and sodium were 37.892, 45.654, 61.687, 34.454, 21.805 and 24.428% higher, respectively than the corresponding mean value during control period. Drinking resulted in lowering of all the electrolytes than their respective day 5 thirst period values except potassium which showed an increase at hour 1/2 of drinking period. At 72 h of drinking period all the serum electrolytes showed non-significant (p>0.05) differences from respective control mean values. In present study no clinical signs of oedema, staggering or other illness was observed after thirst period and drinking periods. It was concluded that a thirst period of 5 days caused a state of dehydration resulting in water loss from ECF compartment. Owing to slow replenishment in the ECF volume, close monitoring of the dehydrated animals is essential to replenish fluid volume along with fluid therapy for a longer period.
B.S. Saini, N. Kataria and L.N. Sankhala, 2012. Assessment of Extracellular Fluid Deficit and Electrolyte Levels in Stressed Marwari Sheep. Veterinary Research, 5: 97-101.