The role of endotoxins in methscopolamine induced ruminal stasis in calves.

Methscopolamine was used to induce ruminal stasis in calves. Clinical and blood biochemical parameters were studied to judge the possible role of gastro-intestinal endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria. Two trials were carried out where one injection of 100 mg and 3 consecutive injections of 70 mg of methscopolamine were administered. The animals showed signs of ruminal stasis. General clinical signs and changes in blood biochemical parameters were similar to what is found in endotoxaemia or in induced ruminal acidosis. Relevant parameters such as prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite, endotoxin, iron, zinc, calcium and glutamate dehydrogenase changed significantly indicating exposure of endotoxins.