Supplementation of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin in pregnant ewes

A study was conducted to study the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BTC) on the metabolic profile, oxidative stress and trace mineral profile in cross bred ewes and to evaluate its effect on the prophylaxis of ovine pregnancy toxemia (PT). The study was carried out on 48 ewes that were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of sixteen ewes. High dose BTC (HBC): Animals were given butaphosphan (20mg/kg) cyanocobalamin (10mcg/kg); 0.2ml/kg b.w. S/c weekly from 6 weeks up to lambing. Low dose BTC (LBC): Animals were given butaphosphan (10mg/kg) cyanocobalamin (5mcg/kg); 0.1ml/kg b.w. S/c weekly from 6 weeks up to lambing. No BTC (CON): Animals were given .2ml/b.w S/c. normal saline (S/C) weekly from 6 up to lambing. The study concluded that, there was a positive effect of BTC treatment on the energy metabolism in pregnant ewes and it helped in the amelioration of oxidative stress and hence can be used in the prophylaxis of pregnancy toxemia.