Ammonia poisoning in sheep, often caused by the consumption of improperly treated ammoniated forage, can lead to a range of serious health issues. The initial symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking, reduced appetite, and a decrease or complete stop in rumination. Affected animals may also produce excessive saliva, which drips from the mouth. In severe cases, the sheep become restless, experience muscle tremors, and develop movement disorders. Some may even suffer from forelimb paralysis, accompanied by excessive salivation with foam, breathing difficulties, and ultimately collapse due to suffocation.
Chronic ammonia poisoning can result in more long-term complications such as pulmonary edema, nephritis, urethritis, and metabolic imbalances. Affected sheep may show frequent urination with pain, purulent discharge from the urethra, and swelling of the genitalia in rams. These symptoms indicate a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
As straw-raising technology becomes more common in rural areas, many farmers have come to appreciate the benefits of using ammoniated forage for their sheep. However, improper handling of this feed can lead to dangerous levels of residual ammonia, resulting in poisoning and significant economic losses. It is crucial for farmers to understand the risks involved and follow proper procedures when preparing and feeding ammoniated forage.
If ammonia poisoning is suspected, the first step is to immediately stop feeding the ammoniated forage and provide emergency treatment. A recommended treatment involves administering 20-40 ml of sodium glutamate mixed with 200-400 ml of 10% glucose intravenously. This helps neutralize the ammonia in the bloodstream by forming a non-toxic compound that is excreted through urine. Additionally, vinegar can be given orally—about 0.1 to 0.2 kg diluted in water and administered 5 to 8 times daily—to lower the pH of the rumen contents, preventing further ammonia absorption and avoiding alkalosis.
For chronic cases, antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin should be administered via intramuscular injection to prevent secondary infections. Once the acute symptoms subside, it’s important to support the recovery of the rumen microorganisms. This can be done by giving the sheep digestive aids like tangerine peel or hibiscus-based supplements to help restore normal digestion and improve overall health.
To prevent ammonia poisoning, several precautions must be taken. First, the ammoniation process must be carefully controlled according to seasonal temperature conditions, ensuring the forage is fully matured. After fermentation, the forage should be aerated for at least 10 hours on sunny days or 24 hours on cloudy days before feeding. Only when the ammonia smell is mild and not irritating should it be considered safe for use.
Second, the storage area for ammoniated forage should be kept separate from the sheep's living space to avoid accidental inhalation of ammonia fumes. Good ventilation in the barn is essential to maintain air quality. Lastly, young lambs, whose rumen microbes are still developing, should be fed ammoniated forage with extra caution to prevent early onset of toxicity.
By following these guidelines, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of ammonia poisoning and ensure the health and well-being of their livestock.
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