Abstract   

    The effects of xylazine on blood glucose level, body temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rates were investigated in six young male buffaloes. The biochemical examination of blood samples obtained at various times before and after administration of xylazine revealed an increase in blood glucose levels that peaked after 30 minutes of injection and gradually decreased to normal values after 24 hours post injection. Pulse and respiratory rates significantly decreased during the sedation period, whereas the body temperature slightly increased. Xylazine at dose of 0.05mg/kg produced a light sedation, whereas deep sedation was observed with 0.01 and 0.15mg/kg doses. Based on these data, it may be inferred that xylazine may have potential for use as a preanesthetic medication to reduce surgical anesthesia and facilitate animal handling.    

Key words: Xylazine; Buffaloe; blood glucose, male