The Effect of Xylazine HCl Used in Repeated Sedations for Sheep on Biochemical and Clinical Values

The objective of the study is to determine the sedative effects of xylazine HCl administered to sheep in repeated fixed doses clinically and biochemically. Five Akkaraman breed rams identified to be clinically healthy were used in the study. Xylazine HCl was administered 4 times at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg intramuscular (fixed dose) with 4 day intervals to induce sedation. Rectal temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate along with rumen motility of all animals were evaluated before and after the administration. The depths of sedation and analgesia, control of reflexes along with various biochemical parameters were studied. The results showed that xylazine HCl led to change of less physiological parameters in the following administration in comparison with the first application. Whereas only moderate and deep sedation were observed in the first application on sheep; mild, moderate and deep sedation were observed in all remaining administration. The degree of analgesic effect was 0 during mild and moderate sedation periods whereas it was 1-2 during deep sedation period. It was concluded that repeated sedations of xylazine HCl administration reduce the degree of sedation in third and fourth administration in sheep.