Comparative Evaluation of Injectable, Oral Gavage, and Sedative-Laden Feed Administration of Diazepam–Xylazine for Sedation in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52331/v31i3ej79Keywords:
Guinea fowl; diazepam; xylazine; oral gavage; chemical restraint; sedation; avian anesthesia.Abstract
The study evaluated the sedative effects of diazepam–xylazine administered through intramuscular injection, oral gavage, and sedative-laden feed in Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). Eighteen apparently healthy Guinea fowls were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 6). Group A received diazepam–xylazine intramuscularly, Group B received the combination by oral gavage, and Group C received sedative-laden feed. Onset of sedation, duration of analgesia, sedation score, muscle relaxation score, heart rate, respiratory rate, and cloacal temperature were evaluated at predetermined intervals. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Route of administration significantly affected sedative efficacy. Oral gavage produced the shortest onset of sedation (1.33 ± 0.33 min) and the longest duration of analgesia (73.33 ± 3.84 min), whereas sedative-laden feed resulted in the longest onset (22.33 ± 5.36 min) and shortest analgesic duration (24.00 ± 3.06 min). Sedation and muscle relaxation scores were significantly higher in the oral gavage and intramuscular groups than in the feed-treated group during the early observation period (P < 0.05). Heart rate and respiratory rate decreased significantly following treatment in all groups, with the greatest reductions observed in birds receiving oral gavage (P < 0.05). Cloacal temperature decreased slightly after treatment but did not differ significantly among groups (P > 0.05). Diazepam–xylazine administered by oral gavage provided the most effective and consistent sedative profile in Guinea fowls, characterized by rapid onset, prolonged analgesia, superior sedation, and enhanced muscle relaxation. These findings indicate that oral gavage may be a practiucal alternative route for short-term chemical restraint in Guinea fowls.
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