Effects of Sedative Doses of Medetomidine on Sokoto Red Goats Under Different Ambient Temperatures

Medetomidine a relatively new ?2–adrenoceptor agonist with greater receptor affinity than xylazine was evaluated in Sokoto red goat, a Nigerian breed. Two sedative doses 10 µg/kg and 20 µg/kg were administered IM to goats of both sexes in four treatment groups. The study was carried out in two phases under different climate -induced ranges of temperatures, low ambient temperatures (LAT), (? 150C) and high ambient temperatures (HAT), (? 39 0C), with similar humidity. Time to manifestation of sedation/recovery signs, rectal temperature, rates of heart, respiratory, and ruminal movements were monitored with time until full recovery. Significant quantitative (P < 0.05) and qualitative differences in medetomidine effects with equivalent doses were observed in LAT and HAT. Effective sedation time, and total recovery time were significantly longer (P < 0.05) in LAT compared to HAT. Significant hypothermia was consistently observed in LAT this was not recorded in HAT. The mean HR, RR, and RRM were significantly decreased with time but reverted to baseline values by 24 hours in all treatment groups. We demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of medetomidine as a sedative in this breed of goat suggested some precautions necessary in LAT. The results of this study explain the apparent inconsistent reports in literature on the influence of this drug on rectal temperature in goats. Adjusting the sedative dose in goats based on the prevailing ambient temperature would aid the rational therapeutic applications of medetomidine.