Electrocardiogram of small ruminants by base apex lead system

Electrocardiographic parameters of Nellore sheep (n=35) and local goats (n=35) ranging in age from six months to four years were analyzed. Electrocardiogram studies were conducted utilizing bi-polar base apex lead system. Data analysis showed that heart rate was 115±5.32 and 114±5.12 beats per min in sheep and goat, respectively. Amplitudes (mV) and duration (sec) observed in Nellore sheep were 0.12±0.01(P- wave), 0.61±0.05 (R- wave), 0.37±0.05 (T- wave), 0.49±0.03 (R-R), 0.13±0.09 (P-R), 0.26±0.01 (Q-T), 0.14±0.01 (S-T) and 0.04±0.02 (QRS duration). In goats amplitudes of P, QRS and T waves were 0.12±0.01 (P- wave), 0.56±0.06 (R- wave) and 0.32±0.03 mV (T- wave) respectively. The duration of R-R, P-R, Q-T and S-T intervals were 0.50±0.040, 0.10±0.01, 0.21±0.02, and 0.14±0.01 and 0.26±0.03 sec, respectively. Based on the observations it is concluded that base apex lead system can be recommended for monitoring the cardiac activity in Nellore sheep and local goats.