Bihar Veterinary College, Patna-800 014, India.
*Present Address: Corresponding author: B.D.O. Office, Block & P.O. Bikram, Dist. Patna, India-801 104.
Different parameters of ruminal activity (e.g. ruminal motility, consistency and pH of ruminal fluid, motility and activity of rumen microflora) were studied in 27 clinical cases of ruminal acidosis in goats and compared with 6 healthy control goats. Ruminal motility and ruminal fluid pH showed significant (P<0.01) decrease whereas cellulose digestion time (CDT) and sedimentation activity time (SAT) increased significantly in mild, acidotic goats as compared to normal ones. Motility and activity ofrumen microflora (CDT and SAT) were absent in moderate and severe acidotic goats. Consistency of ruminal fluid was viscous to semi liquid in healthy, thick/firm and doughy to semi liquid in mild acidotic and watery in moderate & severe acidotic goats. Motility of rumen protozoa was vigorous in healthv control whereas slow or absent in mild and absent in moderate andsevere acidotic goats.
