Physiological Basis of Nutritional Rehabilitation in Severely Malnourished Ruminants at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan

Severe malnutrition in ruminants presents distinct physiological challenges during rehabilitation due to refeeding syndrome risks and impaired organ recovery capacity. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical basis of nutritional rehabilitation in severely malnourished sheep and goats presented to the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Forty severely malnourished small ruminants with a body condition score of one were enrolled in a structured eight-week nutritional rehabilitation programme using graded dietary energy and protein reintroduction. Body weight, blood glucose, serum phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, total protein, albumin, and hepatic enzyme activities were monitored weekly. Rapid electrolyte shifts including hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia were observed in the first week of aggressive nutritional support, consistent with early refeeding syndrome, particularly in animals given high-energy concentrate diets from day one. A gradual reintroduction protocol attenuated these electrolyte disturbances while achieving comparable body weight recovery by week eight. Total protein and albumin normalised progressively by week four under graduated feeding. Hepatic enzymes remained mildly elevated throughout the rehabilitation period but showed declining trends by week six. This study provides a physiologically informed framework for safe nutritional rehabilitation of severely malnourished ruminants and supports the adoption of graduated reintroduction protocols at animal health training institutions in South West Nigeria. Keywords: malnutrition, nutritional rehabilitation, refeeding syndrome, ruminants, electrolytes.