The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of varying degrees of water salinity on the ultrasonographical and histopathological appearance of the liver and kidneys in Barki sheep. Thirty Barki sheep (initial weight, 29.48 ± 0.81 kg) were allocated into three groups (n=10 per group) based on the type of drinking water for 9 months: the tap water (TW) group (350 ppm total dissolved solids [TDS]); the moderate saline water (MSW) group (4,557 ppm TDS); and the high saline water (HSW) group (8,934 ppm TDS). After 9 months, the body weight was significantly decreased in sheep subjected to MSW (P=0.0347) and HSW (P=0.0424). Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, and creatinine were significantly increased (P<0.05) in sheep subjected to MSW and HSW. Ultrasonographic examination of the right and left kidneys revealed an increased length of both kidneys with crystal formation, particularly in male sheep. Ultrasonographic examination of the liver showed hyperechogenic dots varying in size and number between males and females. Histopathological examination of kidney revealed significant changes in both MSW and HSW groups such as hyaline matrix formation, atrophied glomerular tufts, and intramedullary congestion. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed slight fatty liver changes, slight fibrosis around the bile duct, massive inflammatory cell infiltration and vacuolar changes of hepatocytes in both MSW and HSW groups. In conclusion, water salinity negatively affects the body weight, liver and kidney appearance of Barki sheep and thus sheep production.

Seventeen she camels aged (8-10) years old and weighting (350-400) kg were screened for the digestive disorders. Seven camels (40%) were healthy and set as control, four camels (24%) suffered from simple indigestion(SI), three camels (18%) suffered from ruminal acidosis (RA), and three camels (18%) suffered from other digestive disorders (12% foreign body and 6% liver fibrosis).Results of clinical examination revealed that body temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse rate were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in RA group compared to control while ruminal movements in both RA and SI groups were significantly decreased. The hematological findings showed significant increase in Hb, RBCs, PCV%, WBCs, and platelets in RA group compared to control. Biochemically, there was a significant increase in ALT, AST, GGT, urea, Creatinine, and K and significant decrease in ALP, albumin, globulin, total protein, A/G ratio, Na, Cl, Ca, P and Mg in RA group compared to control. Ruminal juice examination revealed a significant increase in SAT, MBRT, and significant decrease in ruminal pH, protozoal count and activity in both RA and SI groups. Ultrasonographically, the ruminal wall and reticular wall thickness were significantly increased in RA group only while small intestine diameter was significantly increased in both RA and SI groups. The content of abomasum and small intestine appeared more echoic in both RA and SI groups. It is concluded that different types of indigestion, particularly the RA can produce hematobiochemical and ultrasonographical changes with alterations in ruminal juice characters in camels.

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