Safety of Large-Dose Administration of Xylazine in Cattle

Abstract

Six cattle were injected intramuscularly with 0.9 mg/kg (group I) or 1.5 mg/kg (group II) of xylazine. They became recumbent to take a milk fever-like position 3-14 and 3-8 minutesand could stand up 114-183 and 114-288 minutes after injection in groups I and II, respectively. Hypoesthesia, sinus bradycardia, inhibition of ruminal movement, and hypothermia occurred. It took 8-12 hours to regain normal health conditions. Laboratory tests gave noticeable abnormal results. Nevertheless, the large-dose administration of xylazine was not sodangerous for cattle.