Scanning Electron Microscopic Investigation of Rumen Papillae in Sheep that Died from Acidosis

Objective: In this reseach aimed to observe changes in the rumen papillae using SEM in cases of rumen acidosis, which is prevalent among sheeps. Rumen acidosis is a common issue in sheeps, resulting from uncontrolled excessive intake of easily fermentable carbohydrates. In severe patient, it can lead to passsing away within a day. Materials and Methods: For this work, rumens were collected from sheep diagnosed with acidosis and slaughtered Samples were coated with gold and examined using a Jeol JVM 5000 microscope at 5-15 kV. Results: SEM findings revealed balloon-like cells on the surface of the rumen papillae in animals with acidosis. It was noted that there were more dead keratinized cells compared to healthy animals. No deep cellular damage or parakeratosis was observed in the papillae. Although no serious deterioration in the ruminal epithelium was found, cells exhibited alterations from their normal form. The study observed cellular damage and anatomical changes at the cellular level due to rumen acidosis, and the findings were presented. Conclusion: Overall, this study highlights the significant impact of rumen acidosis on the morphology of sheep papillae. Monitoring these changes through SEM can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of rumen acidosis and help in developing more effective management strategies for this common disease in sheep farming.