Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the gross and histo-pathological changes caused by the
presence of plastic bags in the rumen of goats. Sixteen castrated one-year old small East African goats
were used for the study. The animals were divided into 4 groups, of 4 goats (n=4). Three groups were
implanted with 129g, 258g and 387g of plastic bags, respectively, introduced into the rumen through
rumenotomy, while the fourth group without implants served as control. All goats with or without plastic
bags were observed daily for 6 weeks following implantation. Dead and surviving goats euthanized after
the 6-week period were subjected to postmortem and histopathological examination. Gross pathological
lesions observed were atrophy of the muscle and body fat, and atrophy and fibrosis of the spleen, liver,
kidneys and hydropericardium. Lesions on the rumen epithelium included stunting, atrophy, thinning
and loss of ruminal papillae, erosion, ulcerations and nodular formations on the ruminal mucosa. The
histopathological examination revealed atrophy, erosion, ulceration, and disruptions of the stratified
epithelial layer of the papillae. Other changes included parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, prominent rete pegs,
oedema and severe hydrophic degeneration of different parts of the mucosal layer. There were areas of
increased mononuclear cell infiltration, increase in the number of lymphatic vessels and lymphangiectasis
in the submucosa, and oedema in the muscularis and serosal layers. The pathological changes observed
may interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, resulting in poor animal condition, overall
productivity and production.
