Why are drugs given to ruminants as a bolus?

The choice indicating that drugs are given to ruminants as a bolus to avoid the excited stage is grounded in the understanding of drug administration in this specific type of livestock. When medications are delivered in bolus form, it allows for a more controlled and rapid administration that can bypass the excitement or agitation that might occur with other methods of delivery.

In ruminants, certain drugs can be particularly stimulating or cause adverse reactions if administered too slowly. A bolus can effectively manage the onset of the drug's effects, reducing the risk of overstimulation that might otherwise lead to a heightened state of excitement in the animal. By swiftly delivering the drug, the animal's physiological response can be moderated, helping to maintain a calmer state.

Furthermore, the method of administration plays a pivotal role in how the drug interacts with the animal's unique digestive system, which is designed to process large amounts of feed efficiently. A bolus can accommodate this life system by ensuring that the compound effectively bypasses initial digestive processes that could alter its efficacy.

Thus, giving drugs in bolus form is an effective strategy in managing the overall well-being of ruminants by maintaining a more stable physiological response to the medication.