Studies on the alimentary tract of the merino sheep in South Africa. XIX. The influence of sulphanilamide on the activity of the ruminal flora of sheep and cattle

Abstract

(1) It has been shown that therapeutic doses of sulphanilamide depress cellulose digestion and appetite in ruminants. (2) The fermentation of sugar and gas formation are also suppressed but only by higher concentrations. (3) The absorption of sulphanilamide after intra-ruminal dosing is very slow and effective blood concentrations are not attained with recognised therapeutic dosage. (4) The absorption of sulphanilamide is further retarded by paralysis of the rumen induced by atropin. (5) These findings raise the question as to the advisability of dosing sulphonamides to ruminants in view of their deleterious effects on cellulose digestion and appetite and the low blood concentration of the drug achieved by dosing.