TOXICITY OF RHAZYA-STRICTA TO SHEEP

The toxicity of Rhazya stricta leaves for Najdi sheep is described in 9 sheep assigned as untreated controls, Rhazya-treated at 0.25 g/kg/d and Rhazya-treated at 1 g/kg/d. The oral use of 1 g/kg/d caused body w eight depression, ruminal bloat, diarrhea, dyspnea and weakness of the hind limbs. Enterohepatonephropathy, pulmonary congestion, hemorrhage and emphysema, lymphocytes in vital organs, and congestion of the blo od vessels of the heart were associated with increases in serum AST an d LDH, in elevated bilirubin and urea concentrations, and decreased to tal protein, albumin and calcium concentrations, and leucopenia and an emia.