Ruminal impaction due to Ficus esquiroliana Levl. in Boer goats

Abstract

Ruminal impaction is considered an important internal disease in ruminants, such as dairy cows, sheep, and goats. It has been reported that its occurrence is associated with many different causes. This study describes a novel case of ruminal impaction caused by a plant, Ficus esquiroliana Levl., in Boer goats. This case suggests that Ficus esquiroliana should be taken into consideration when providing food for ruminants.

Bovine rumen impaction caused by ingestion of Gonometa postica cocoons in eastern-central Namibia

“…Rumen impaction occurs when there is an accumulation of indigestible materials in the rumen that impedes the normal flow of ingesta, causing over-filling of the rumen, which leads to abdominal distension and discomfort, inappetence, poor degradation and fermentation of rumen contents, culminating in the production of scanty or no faeces and even death (Alimi et al 2018). These indigestible materials may include foreign bodies such as plastic bags, nylon, rope, metallic nails, wires, stones, fruit seeds, hairballs, leather materials, clothing materials (Bwatota, Makungu & Nonga 2018; Mushonga et al 2015; Tesfaye & Chanie 2012; Vanitha et al 2010) and even plant material (Zhai et al 2013). Ingestion of Gonometa postica (better known as Molopo, burn worm or brandwurm ) (Zumpt 1971) and Gonometa rufobrunnea (Edwards 1935) cocoons have also been reportedly responsible for the outbreaks of ruminal impaction in cattle, resulting in high mortality rates.…”