Pentobarbital (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mg/kg. B.Wt. intravenously) was admin istered to four adult buffaloes to determine a dose suitable for produc ing stansing sedation in adult buffaloes, and to evaluate its effects on cardiopulmonary function and rumen motility. The response was assessed after 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. The 2.0 and 2.5 mg/kg dose induced mild sedation at 15 and 30 minutes, and no sedation at 60 and 90 minutes. The 3.0 mg/kg dose produced moderate sedation at 15 and 30 minutes, mild sedation at 60 minutes and no sedation at 90 minutes.
The 3.0 mg/kg dose was judged to be the most suitable. The effects of pentobarbital (3.0 mg/kg 1.V) on heart rate, respiratory rate, blood gases and rumen motility were measured in five buffaloes during a 90 minute period. Pentobarbital at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg did not produce significant changes in heart rate, blood gases, ruminal contraction and Respiratory rate at 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Pentobarbital (3.0 mg/kg IV) is reliable in adult buffaloes for standing sedation of short
duration.