Electrolyte Concentrations of Ruminal and Abomasal Fluid in Cows with Abomasal Disorders

Abstract

One hundred and one Holstein-Friesian cows with various abomasal disorders were examined for electrolyte concentrations of the ruminal and abomasal fluid as well as of the blood. In cases with functional pyloric stenosis (vagal indigetion) and abomasal volvulus, rumen Cl levels were 66.0±21.2 and 24.4±13.1mEq/l, respectively, indicating a stronger reflux of abomasal contents into the rumen in cases with vagal indigestion. Cows with vagal indigestion showed significantly lower concentrations of the ruminal K and the abomasal Na. In cases with abomasal disorders showing ruminal Cl levels over 40mEq/l, serum concentrations of Na, K and Cl were lower and blood pH, bicarbonate concentration and base excess were higher. The volume of abomasal contents was negatively correlated with serum Cl concentration (r=-0.52), while directly with serum Mg (r=0.59).