Physiological Alterations in Local Iraqi Sheep Affected by Ruminal Impaction: Insights from Biochemical, Electrolyte,...

Ruminal impaction is a serious digestive disorder in sheep, leading to systemic metabolic acidosis and, as a consequence, widespread physiological disturbances. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate biochemical, electrolyte and oxidative parameters in a local Iraqi sheep that was suffering from ruminal impaction.

A case control study was performed in 20 adult female sheep (Awassi sheep breeder) (10 ruminal impaction and 10 control) diagnosed with in Fallujah, Iraq, based on clinical signs and confirmed by laboratory findings of hyperkalaemia. The control group consisted of sheep of age, sex and weight consistent with clinically normal sheep. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for electrolytes, biochemical and oxidative markers using established laboratory methods.

The impacted animals showed significant increases (P≤0.05) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), glucose, urea, creatinine, potassium, and phosphate and significant decreases (P≤0.05) in albumin, cholesterol, sodium, chloride, and calcium levels, where serum level of magnesium did not show any significant difference between the groups. In addition, oxidative stress was present as there was a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level.

These findings indicate a pathogenesis cascade whereby ingestion of poorly digested food causes ruminal stasis, systemic acidosis, liver dysfunction, renal insufficiency, electrolyte disturbances, oxidative stress and oxidative stress. Using a single biomarker may underestimate the true severity of the disease, while combining biochemical, electrolyte and oxidative measurements provides a more complete picture.