Effects of oral administration of electrolyte solutions were studied in experimentally dehydrated adult sheep. By the latin square method five ruminal fistulated sheep were examined and dehydrated by deprivation of feed and water for 72 hours. Tap water, physiological saline, 0.45% NaCl＋120 mM/ℓ glucose and 0.9% NaCl＋1% propylene glycol solution were orally administrated after dehydration, respectively. Rehydration effect and modification of the rumen function were compared.
1. After 72 hours of deprivation of feed and water, sheep were hypertonic dehydrated and blood acid-base parameters were not significantly changed. And there was marked increase in ruminal pH and decrease in ruminal total volatile fatty acid(VFA) concentration.
2. After the fluids administration the changes in blood acid-base parameters were not significant in all groups.
3. Although glucose fermentation in the rumen was observed, 0.45% NaCl＋120 mM/ℓ glucose was more effective in rehydration than physiological saline and tap water. But it was dif~cult to know the rehydration effect of 0.9% NaCl＋1% propylene glycol solution exactly because of excessive increase in plasma osmolality.
4. After refeeding, total concentration and proportions of ruminal volatile fatty acid(VFA) were not significantly different among groups and recovered to normal concentration but not in proportions after 2 days in all groups.
5. In vitro cultured ruminal protozoa were susceptible to the decrease of the pH and osmo, lality.
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