BIOCHEMICAL AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL RUMEN LACTIC-ACIDOSIS IN GOATS

Acute rumen lactic acidosis was induced in 6 clinically healthy 1-2-ye ar-old goats of either sex by intraruminal administration of whole whe at grain @ 100g/kg body weight. Clinical, biochemical and electrocardi ographic changes in acidotic goats were studied. Heart and respiration rates increased significantly from 12-48 hr. In ECG the amplitude of P wave, QRS complex and T wave increased significantly. No change was seen in ST segment. However QT decreased significantly. In rumen liquo r, a decrease in pH and an increase in lactic acid and TVFA concentrat ion was observed. Blood showed a decrease in pH and increase in lactic acid concentration.