[Dynamics of paraclinical indices in nitrate poisoning in sheep]

Studies were carried out on some paraclinical indices of the blood with sheep in the case of experimental nitrate intoxication. The animals were divided into five groups and were offered nitrates at the rates of 0.4, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.0 per cent of the dry matter in the ration. The feed given to group V was obtained in a natural way (through the overrate dressing of maize with nitrogen fertilizers), while that given to the remaining groups was prepared by adding nitrates in the corn mash. The blood of the test animals was sampled on the 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, and 75th day to assess the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and the level of hemoglobin, methemoglobin, blood sugar, carotene, vitamin A, nitrates and nitrites. The leukocyte count was found to drop, and the erythrocyte one -- to rise. Rose also the level of hemoglobin in the sheep of group V. The level of methemoglobin rose proportionally to the increased amount of nitrates swallowed, and the blood sugar was increased with the increase of methemoglobin. Carotene and vitamin A levels dropped, and nitrates rose. No changes were found in the level of nitrites.