Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part B (2025)

The presented study was aimed at comparing the clinical signs, hemato-biochemical changes and rumen fluid analysis, with an emphasis on ruminal chloride concentration, in major gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders of cattle. Forty-eight cattle were categorized into different groups like enteritis, ruminal alkalosis, bloat, intestinal obstruction, and ruminal impaction, along with six healthy cattle that were taken as control. Anorexia, rumen stasis, reduced fecal output and dehydration were the most common clinical signs presented in majority disorders. Rumen pH was significantly elevated in ruminal alkalosis (8.28 ± 0.15) and ruminal impaction (8.17 ± 0.18) (p<0.01), while rumen protozoa motility was significantly reduced in all groups except for bloat and enteritis. Mann-Whitney U-test revealed significantly low rumen protozoa scores in ruminal alkalosis, intestinal obstruction, and ruminal impaction (p<0.01). Rumen chloride concentration was significantly reduced in ruminal alkalosis (15.2 ± 1.13 mEq/L) but significantly elevated in intestinal obstruction (42.53 ± 6.39 mEq/L; p<0.05). These findings highlighted the diagnostic value of rumen fluid analysis, especially rumen chloride concentration and ruminal protozoa motility, in differentiating among various GIT disorders in cattle.