Neuromuscular Effects of Xylazine in Cattle: Clinical Observations from Farms in Plateau State

Xylazine is an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist widely used as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic in cattle in Nigerian veterinary practice, including on farms in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Despite its frequent application, clinical descriptions of its neuromuscular effects in Zebu-type cattle under field conditions are limited compared to data from temperate breeds. This study characterised the onset, duration, and depth of sedation, recumbency, and muscle relaxation following intramuscular xylazine administration at 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mg/kg in White Fulani cattle. Thirty cattle were allocated to three dose groups with 10 animals each. Sedation onset, time to lateral recumbency, duration of recumbency, righting reflex, and return to full activity were recorded. Vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, and rumen motility were monitored at five-minute intervals. Sedation onset was dose-dependent, occurring within 5.2 minutes at the highest dose. Lateral recumbency was achieved only at 0.15 mg/kg, occurring in 7 of 10 animals. Duration of recumbency averaged 42 minutes at the highest dose. Rumen motility was markedly reduced in all groups within 15 minutes of administration. Heart rate and respiratory rate declined significantly at all doses. These clinical observations provide practical pharmacodynamic reference information for xylazine use in White Fulani cattle in Plateau State and support the need for reversal agent availability during field procedures requiring deep sedation. Keywords: xylazine, sedation, cattle, neuromuscular, Plateau State.