Butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin treatment of pregnant ewes: Metabolic effects and potential prophylactic effect for pregnancy toxaemia

- We examine effects on pregnancy toxaemia of butaphosphan + cyanocobalamin in ewes.
- We evaluate effect on metabolic parameters of the combination.
- Lamb counts and weights of the ewes were greater in test groups than control groups.
- Subclinical pregnancy toxaemia was detected lower in test groups than control groups.

The effect of administration of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the prophylaxis of pregnancy toxaemia in ewe was investigated. Moreover, the effects of these compounds on body weight gain and biochemical metabolism of pregnant ewe was assessed. A total of 59 pregnant Kıvırcık crossbred ewes were used in this study. Group I (n: 15) was administered butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin three times before delivery at 1-week intervals. Group II (n: 15) was administered butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin three times before delivery at 3-day intervals. Group III (n: 15) was administered 0.9% NaCl three times before delivery at 1-week intervals. Group IV (n: 14) was administered 0.9%NaCl three times before delivery at 3-day intervals. Six blood samples were taken from each ewe four times before delivery and two times after delivery. Haematological and biochemical analyses were performed.The levels of BHB and NEFA in groups administered butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin were noticeably lower but there were no statistically significance. Elevated BHB (>0.8 mmol/L), subclinical pregnancies toxaemia were identified in 56.66% in test groups and 72.41% in control groups in all ewes and this was higher in the ewes bearing multiple pregnancies 71.42 in test groups and 82.35% in control groups. Subclinical pregnancy toxaemia in pregnant ewes with twins or triplets is lower than the levels for the control groups, despite the greater lamb counts and weights of the ewes in test groups.Based on our results, it was concluded that the butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin combination could be used as an alternative treatment for the prevention of pregnancy toxaemia.