We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impact of ruminal impaction syndrome on ruminant livestock productivity: Evaluation of protocols for rapid diagnosis and treatment
Summary
Cows and other livestock are increasingly swallowing trash like plastic bags and wire, which gets stuck in their stomachs and makes them sick—and this problem is spreading from cities into farming areas. This matters for people too, because harmful microplastics and chemicals from that trash can build up in the animal's body and pass into the milk and meat we eat. This review paper pulls together existing research to argue for better, faster ways to diagnose and treat this condition, since no standard guidelines currently exist.
Ruminal impaction syndrome (RIS) is an emerging, severe, and potentially fatal gastrointestinal disorder affecting ruminants in urban,semi-urban and peri-urban settlements, with increasing spread intorural communities in developing regions. RIS arises from ingestionof indigestible objects that accumulate in the rumen and obstruct theflow of ingesta through the lower digestive tract; resulting in severeimpaction, indigestion, persistent tympany, protracted morbidity,lethargy, and, in severe cases, death. Additionally, RIS results in animallosses, reduced milk and meat production, and costly, often ineffectivetreatments. Moreover, RIS exhibits a high prevalence propagatedvia a vicious cycle. Definitive diagnosis and treatment often rely onexploratory rumenotomy. Affected animals are frequently presented ina terminal condition, limiting therapeutic options. Surgical outcomesare often poor and are commonly associated with postoperativecomplications. Furthermore, microplastics, nanoplastics, xenobioticchemicals and heavy metals leach into ruminal fluid, bioaccumulatein tissues and enter food chain through milk and meat products toexert detrimental toxic effects in animals and humans. Despite itshigh incidence and severe strain on economy and animal health, thereare no established government regulations or standardized guidelinesgoverning the diagnosis and treatment of RIS, making it a major yetneglected disorder that is often managed empirically by veterinarians.Integrating rumenoscopy alongside nanotechnology, diagnosticmarkers and modified abdominal ballottement technique can advanceaccurate diagnosis, while therapeutic laparoscopy may facilitateprompt treatment. This review evaluates the profound impact of RIS onthe health and productivity of ruminant livestock. Ultimately, it aims toestablish effective diagnostic pathways and therapeutic protocols thatcan be adopted by veterinarians and policymakers to restore livestockhealth, improve animal welfare, and ensure sustainable productivity ofruminant livestock systems.