Prevalence of Rumen Impaction in Small Ruminant (Sheep and Goat) in Bauchi Metropolis

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of rumen impaction in small ruminant (sheep and goat) in Bauchi metropolis and identify the common risk factor associated with its occurrence as presented at the area veterinary clinic, ran road, Bauchi from 2008 10 2012, primary and secondary data were collected by recording the number of animal brought to the clinic each day in 2012 (1 year) and use of record book for four years (2008 - 2011) respectively. The result of the study showed that out of the 46,653 small ruminants brought to the clinic, 313 (0.675%) had rumen impaction, sheep had the highest prevalence of 0.475% (221/46,653) representing 70.60 % of the total incidence while goats had a prevalence of 0.19 % (92/46,653) representing 29.4% of the total incidence. Overall, there were more female with rumen impaction than male counterpart (71% versus 29%). Also, the 2008 and 2012 had the highest prevalence of rumen impaction than other years. Clinical finding includes distended abdomen, dullness, anorexia, fever, difficulty in breathing, recumbences and anemia, rumen was markedly with foreign materials such as nylon, rubber, plastic and rope. It is recommended that salt lick should be given to small ruminant so as to reduce the incidence of rumen impaction and sheep and goats should be provided with high quality and quantity feed throughout the season, special treatment should be given to female because they need high nutrition programme, proper environmental sanitation and management.