THE PHILIPPINE WATER BUFFALO

*Undergraduate thesis, College of Veterinary Medicine,
University of the Philippines Diliman, 1979.
H-21
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HEMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS
OF XYLAZINE SEDATION IN CARABAOS (Bubalus
bubalis)*
E. S. Hain, Student
A study to determine the physiologic and hematologic effects
of xylazine sedation in 12 carabaos of both sexes aged 36
years was conducted. The physiologic responses of
animals given a 0.11 mg/kg dose of xylazine included
hypersalivation, vocalization, relaxation of the preputial
sheath, loss of reaction to painful stimulus and less struggle
to handling. The 0.11 mg/kg dose of xylazine caused a
decrease in pulse rate which was below the normal value
and a slight decrease in respiratory rate was observed at
a certain time. There was no effect on rectal temperature.
The hematologic effects of this dose were marked decrease
in PCV and total erythrocyte count (TEC). The total
leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leucocyte count
remained similar to those of the control group. Recovery
from sedation was observed at 30-45 minutes. Animals
began struggling again with the males struggling more
violently. The physiologic responses of animals given a
0.16 mg/kg dose of xylazine included those found in the
0.11 mg/kg dose as well as lacrimation and recumbency.
The 0.16 mg/kg dose of xylazine caused a marked
decrease in both pulse and respiratory rates. No effect on
rectal temperature was also observed. The hematologic
effects of this dose were a marked decrease in PCV.
There was no change in TEC and TLC. In the differential
leucocyte count, no changes were observed except a
decrease in eosinophils. Complete recovery from sedation
took 60-75 minutes. The animals regained an upright position
quietly and without struggling. The animals remained calm
even after 90 minutes. Taking into consideration all the
above observations, the dose of 0.11 mg/kg may be
recommended for procedures wherein the animal needs to
be standing and for other minor surgical procedures. For
procedure requiring recumbency, a dose of 0.16 mg/kg
may be recommended. When taking blood samples using
xylazine as the chemical restraint agent, the veterinarian
interpreting the hematological values should take into
consideration the effects of xylazine on the blood values.
Keywords: xylazine sedation, hematogical changes,
physiological effects, carabao
*Undergraduate thesis, College of Veterinary Medicine,
University of the Philippines Los Baòos, 1993.
HEALTH
H-22
THE OCCURRENCE OF PREGNANCY AMONG
SLAUGHTERED CATTLE, CARABAOS, AND SWINE
IN SOME SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN BULACAN*
N. M. Inocencio, Student
The occurrence of pregnancy in slaughtered cattle, carabaos
and swine in some Bulacan slaughterhouses was
determined. The highest occurrence was observed in cattle,
at 30.09% (155 in 515), of which 77.42% were palpable
pregnancies. The occurrence in carabaos was 9.38% (47
in 501), 91.49% of which were palpable. The lowest
occurrence was observed in swine, at 0.05% (1 in 1,902).
The occurrence of pregnancy in cattle in this study was
higher than those previously reported for this species. In
carabaos, the occurrence rate obtained was very much
lower. In swine, the occurrence was negligible. The
recommendation of the previous workers that pregnancy
diagnosis of animals be undertaken prior to their sale or
slaughter is herein reiterated. Inspite of the earlier
observations of the high rate of occurrence of pregnancy in
slaughtered animals, the practice was not being abated.
The government, particularly the Bureau of Animal Industry,
together with local livestock organizations, should formulate
rules and regulations to prevent further economic losses
from the slaughter of pregnant animals.
Keywords: pregnant animals, slaughtered animals,
carabao, cattle, swine
*Undergraduate thesis, College of Veterinary Medicine,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, 1981.
H-23
COMPARISON OF THE ANTIBODY RESPONSE OF
PHILMURRAH WATER BUFFALOES (Bubalus
bubalis) TO AN AQUEOUS AND OIL BASED FOOT-
AND-MOUTH DISEASE (SEROTYPE 0 1 , A 24 AND C 3 )
VACCINE*
F. M. Lacamento, Student
Commercial oil adjuvanted and aqueous Foot-and-Mouth
Disease (FMD strain O 1 Manisa, A 24 Cruziero, and C 3
Hongkong) vaccines were compared for effectiveness
and safety on Philmurrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The
oil adjuvanted vaccine was able to stimulate higher antibody
titers of protective levels after the initial vaccination with a
mean of 5.5159 as well as 60, 90, 120 days after with a
logarithmic mean of 6.3201, 6.1659, and 5.7412
respectively. The aqueous vaccine, on the other hand,
only elicited protective antibody titer after the booster
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