Evaluation of glycopyrrolate-acepromazine-xylazine-ketamine combination as general anaesthetic in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

The study was undertaken in 12 male buffalo calves by administering glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg, i.m.) followed by acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, i.m.), xylazine (0.04 mg/kg, i.v.) and ketamine (2.0 mg/kg, i.v.). The calves were in sternal recumbency with chin on ground at 1.72±0.74 min of xylazineketamine administration. Onset of analgesia and loss of palpebral and corneal reflexes were observed at 8.95±2.69 min and 13.51±2.38 min of xylazine-ketamine administration, respectively. Complete recovery took 48.71±2.83 min after xylazine-ketamine administration. Significant changes were observed in glucose, cholesterol, total plasma proteins, sodium and potassium in addition to heart rate and mean arterial pressure at various intervals.