Effect of mode of anthelmintic treatment on rumen short-chain fatty acid concentrations in sheep
Hodgson, J.C.; Jessop, N.S.
Veterinary Record 120(23): 553-554
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3617405 Document Number: 290273
Samples of rumen fluid were collected from 4 sheep through a rumen cannula after a single intraruminal dose of 5 mg/kg albendazole, and from 6 sheep given a continuous intraruminal infusion of 0.5 mg/kg albendazole daily for 10 days. Total short-chain fatty acid concentrations fell by 16%, 5.5-22 hours after the single dose, then returned to normal. In the second group they fell by 28% for 24 hours, partly recovered during the next 48 hours, but did not rise further until 3.5 days after the infusion ceased. During the infusion the mean decrease was 17%, and the molar proportion of acetate fell to 0.88-0.95 of the original value, with increases in propionate of 1.11-1.28 and butyrate of 1.13-1.42. It is suggested that slow-release formulations may impair the supply of nutrients.