Percutaneous ruminostomy guided by rumenoscopy: study in an experimental model in bovine fetus.

BACKGROUND: Endosurgery is a surgical subspecialty that has been widely used in production animals, because it enables good visualization of abdominal organs and the diagnosis and treatment of several conditions in a minimally invasive manner, while preserving the animal's well-being and causing a lower impact on animal production. Rumenostomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in ruminants. This procedure is used to allow access to the rumen for various purposes, especially nutritional and therapeutic studies, and it can be performed either in a conventional way or in a minimally invasive video-assisted manner. Another possibility of access to ruminants is through the rumenoscopy technique. The objective of this study is to describe a minimally invasive technique for rumenostomy using an endoscope, working on a bovine fetal corpse as an experimental model. RESULTS: The execution of the endoscopy-guided rumenostomy technique was simple and did not present major difficulties. The endoscope, its lighting and air pump, and the decubitus used provided a good anatomical visualization of the rumen, and it was possible to evaluate several regions of the organ. The mean duration of the procedure was 11.15 min. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic rumenostomy technique using anatomical pieces of calves was shown to be feasible. It was performed in a simple and efficient way, particularly regarding the premise of preserving the animal's well-being, due to its minimally invasive nature.

Integrative approach to a patient following rumenotomy - case report / [Abordagem integrativa ao paciente submetido à ruminotomia - relato de caso]

Concern with antimicrobial resistance in animal production systems increases the interest toward integrative therapies. The objective of the present report was to report an integrative approach to a goat undergoing rumenotomy. A goat with ruminal acidosis underwent rumenotomy, corrective rumen suture, moxibustion, and treatment of the surgical wound (TFO) with sugar. In the first twenty days, acupuncture was performed on ST36, indirect moxibustion on Sp6 and CV8, and TFO with antibiotic ointment and sugar. The wound contracted 2cm, there was gradual return of ruminal dynamics, and moderate pain. Acupuncture continued from D21 to D50 on Yin tang, BL13, BL20, BL23, and BL22. Although there was drainage of ruminal fluid, the wound contracted 4cm during this period, pain was absent, and ruminal dynamics normal. During the last thirty days, the acupuncture technique surround the dragon was used and BL13 point needled, with complete closure of the wound. The TFO from D21 was performed solely with sugar. During treatment, there was modulation of the inflammatory response, with formation of granulation tissue and neovascularization. On D84, fibrinogen was 100mg/dL. The authors conclude that the use of sugar, acupuncture, and moxibustion contributed to return of normal ruminal motility, wound contraction, and complete tissue reepithelization.(AU)

A preocupação com a resistência antimicrobiana nos sistemas de produção animal aumenta o interesse pelas terapias integrativas. Objetiva-se relatar a abordagem integrativa ao paciente caprino submetido à ruminotomia. Uma cabra com acidose ruminal foi submetida à ruminotomia, ruminorrafia, moxabustão, acupuntura e tratamento da ferida operatória (TFO) com açúcar. Nos primeiros vinte dias realizou-se acupuntura em ST36, moxa indireta em Sp6 e CV8, TFO com pomada antibiótica e açúcar. A ferida contraiu 2cm, houve retorno gradual da dinâmica ruminal e dor moderada. A acupuntura continuou de D21 a D50 em Yin tang, BL13, BL20, BL23 e BL22. Apesar da ferida drenar fluido ruminal teve contração de 4cm nesse período, ausência de dor e retorno fisiológico da dinâmica ruminal. Nos últimos trinta dias foi realizada a técnica de acupuntura cercar o dragão e punturou-se o ponto BL13, com fechamento completo da ferida. O TFO a partir do D21 foi realizado somente com açúcar. Durante tratamento houve modulação da resposta inflamatória com formação de tecido de granulação e neoangiogênesse, o D84 revelou fibrinogênio 100mg/dL. Conclui-se que a utilização do açúcar, acupuntura e moxabustão contribuíram para o retorno fisiológico da motilidade ruminal, contração da ferida e completa reepitelização tecidual.(AU)

Influence of two rumen cannulation techniques on postoperative recovery in sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of two methods of rumen cannulation on postoperative animal welfare. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Twelve commercial wethers (n = 6 per group). METHODS: Group 1 wethers underwent a one-step procedure to place a cannula immediately after fistulation of the rumen to the skin. Group 2 wethers underwent a two-step procedure in which a portion of the rumen was externalized and held with a clamp for 9 days, after which the cannula was placed into the fistula created by removal of the clamped rumen tissue. Feed intake and vital signs were monitored daily for 24 days postoperatively. Plasma fibrinogen and serum cortisol were measured daily for 14 days postoperatively to estimate inflammatory and stress responses, respectively. Change in body weight was also assessed. RESULTS: Cannulation method did not affect (P > .05) body weight, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, fibrinogen level, or cumulative cortisol level. Feed intake was lower (0.82 vs 1.2 kg/d; P < .0001), and mean cortisol level was greater (124.2 vs 121.5 ng/mL; P = .038) in group 2 compared with group 1. CONCLUSION: Although both cannulation methods mostly elicited similar physiological responses, animals seemed to experience more discomfort and stress when undergoing the two-step procedure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rumen cannulation performed in one step is recommended to improve postoperative welfare.

Diagnosis and treatment of foreign bodies swallowing syndrome in camels (Camelus dromedarius) with special reference to the role of mineral deficiency.

This study describes the clinical presentation of ruminal and reticular foreign body syndrome (RRFBS), and evaluates the effect of mineral deficiency on its occurrence in dromedary camels. Thirty dromedary camels were divided into two groups. Group 1 (control) included 10 apparently healthy she-camels. Group 2 consisted of twenty dromedary camels diagnosed with RRFBS on the basis of clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations. Clinical findings showed decreased appetite and milk yield, tympany, and gradual body weight loss. Ultrasonographic examinations revealed the presence of hyperechoic material with variable degrees of shadowing. Hematological evaluation showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease of the total erythrocyte and lymphocyte count and a significant increase of neutrophils in the camels with RRFBS compared to the controls. Biochemical tests showed a significant elevation in the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), glucose, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen and a significant decrease of sodium, chloride, potassium, cobalt, iron, and selenium in the camels with RRFBS compared to the controls. Rumenotomy was performed on the 20 camels as a surgical intervention for treating the RRFBS. By the 6th month postoperatively, all surgically treated camels had completely recovered except for one with tympany and slight swelling in situ. In conclusion, trace element deficiency might play an important role in the occurrence of foreign body ingestion syndrome in dromedary camels. Moreover, clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations are considered as tools assisting in the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment stratagem for RRFBS in camels.

Bovine rumen impaction caused by ingestion of Gonometa postica cocoons in eastern-central Namibia.

Cases of rumen impaction caused by ingestion of Gonometa postica cocoons occurred at a farm in eastern-central Namibia. Ten animals died on the farm over the previous 5 months. Rumenotomies were successfully performed on three affected animals. The authors were of the opinion that the affected animals ingested the cocoons around the time of weaning, which then resulted in tangled masses that gradually stretched and enlarged because of entrapment of ingesta, eventually causing impaction of the rumen in the young adult animals. These are the first reported cases of ruminal impaction attributable to G. postica cocoon ingestion in Namibia.

Esophageal groove dysfunction: a cause of ruminal bloat in newborn calves.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal groove dysfunction is one of the major causes of ruminal bloat. This condition is fatal in new born calves if it is not treated early. In healthy, suckling calves, milk should bypass the forestomach (rumen and reticulum) and enter into the abomasum where enzymatic digestion of milk proteins takes place. However, failure of the esophageal groove allows milk to enter into the forestomach, which results in the production of excess gases by microbial fermentation. Consequently, this increase in abdominal distention particularly on the left side in ruminants is an imminent manifestation of excess gases in the foresomach. CASE PRESENTATION: A 10-day-old crossbred male calf presented with a distended left abdomen and manifesting dyspnea at a dairy farm. The calf was weak, reluctant to move, and had visibly congested mucus membranes. Regarding the calf's feeding, milk was the only thing ingested and the calf had not started on dry feeds (hay, concentrates, and roughages). According to the herdsman of the farm, the calf had a mild-to-moderate form of bloat and 3-5 h after milk feeding the bloat would disappear spontaneously. During bloat, an increase in pulse rate, respiratory rate (tachypnea), and shallow breathing was noted. Physical examination revealed severe distention of the left side of the abdomen, and on percussion, accumulation of gases mixed with fluid in the left abdomen was detected. An attempt was made to release gases from forestomach by introducing a stomach tube with oral antibiotics; however, the case was not resolved. The calf suffered from frequent recurrence of bloat after every milk feed, and in response to the refractory outcome to conventional treatment, a rumenostomy was indicated and a better treatment response was achieved. In addition, IV fluid and other supportive therapy were provided while milk was withheld. However, considering the fact that milk is a natural feed that should not be taken away from every calf at this age, we had to encourage calf to consume milk as it would not result in bloat as far as rumen fistula is being created. Furthermore, encouraging calves to consume starter feed (fresh grasses and hay) earlier than usual recommended period whilst decreasing milk intake would hasten the rumen function. CONCLUSIONS: Cases like this are successfully managed by a rumenostomy when conventional options fail.

Technical note: Infusion, sampling, and vacuum-assisted collection devices for use in ruminally cannulated calves.

Calves can be ruminally cannulated at young ages, but equipment size limitations preclude use of an infusion and sampling device in these small animals. Likewise, a procedure to easily evacuate rumen contents in young calves has not been described. Overcoming these technical complications related to assessment of ruminal passage kinetics, nutrient digestion, and volatile fatty acid absorption would aid in future studies advancing our knowledge of dairy calf nutrition. The first objective was to design and fabricate 2 devices (one device for infusion and sampling, and another for vacuum-assisted collection) suitable for use in young ruminally cannulated dairy calves. The second objective was to test the utility of these tools when performing procedures commonly used in ruminant nutrition research. A single weaned 62-d-old ruminally cannulated calf was used to evaluate the ability to infuse a solution of LiCoEDTA and sample rumen contents through the cannula cap over a period of 2 h to assess the rumen liquid passage rate (procedure 1). The device was capable of infusing the LiCoEDTA and sampling the rumen fluid, as evidenced by the presence of elevated Co concentrations in the sampled rumen fluid. Using the fluid samples obtained, liquid passage rate within the calf was estimated to be 40.2% of ruminal fluid/h. The second procedure tested the vacuum-assisted collection device and consisted of evacuating and weighing the rumen contents, which is considered a key preparatory step in washed reticulorumen technique experiments that aim to measure nutrient absorption. In agreement with existing literature, evacuated rumen contents represented approximately 4% of the calf's body weight. In conclusion, custom-built devices for infusion, sampling, and vacuum-assisted collection were efficacious when tested in a 62-d-old ruminally cannulated calf fed a diet of 100% texturized starter (18% crude protein, as-fed). Fellow scientists may employ and further modify these techniques to suit their needs when assessing passage kinetics, nutrient digestion, and volatile fatty acid absorption in calves.

Temporary Rumenostomy for the Treatment of Forestomach Diseases and Enteral Nutrition.

Temporary rumenostomy is a useful procedure for the treatment, management, and support of patients with forestomach disease of various types. The rumenostomy provides a mechanism for relief of chronic rumen tympany or distention, removal of rumen contents and lavage of the rumen, removal of some rumen foreign bodies, administration of rumen fluid transfaunation, and administration of enteral nutrition or other medications. When the rumenostomy is no longer necessary, it can be allowed to close by second intention or by surgical resection.

Indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle: 95 cases (1999-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 95 cattle that underwent rumenotomy or rumenostomy. PROCEDURES: Medical records for 95 cattle that underwent either rumenostomy or rumenotomy at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals in 1999 through 2011 were analyzed. Reasons for the procedures were noted. Long-term outcome was determined during telephone interviews with owners. RESULTS: 42 (44%) bovids underwent rumenostomy and 53 (56%) bovids underwent rumenotomy. Among the 42 animals undergoing rumenostomy, 18 (43%) had rumen cannulas placed during elective procedures. Other indications for rumenostomy included ruminal tympany (bloat [n = 20]), esophageal obstruction (choke [1]), grain overload (1), and provision of access for administration of enteral nutrition (2). Indications for rumenotomy included traumatic reticuloperitonitis (n = 31), bloat (9), foreign body (6), choke (5), and other (2). Long-term follow-up data were available for 31 of 42 (74%) bovids that underwent rumenostomy. Of those 31 animals, 17 (55%) were still in the herd, 4 (13%) had been culled, and 10 (32%) had died or were euthanized. Long-term follow-up data were available for 38 of 53 (72%) bovids that underwent rumenotomy. Of those 38 animals, 13 (34%) were still in the herd, 14 (37%) had been culled, and 11 (29%) had died or been euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that rumenotomy and rumenostomy can be effective in treating or relieving complications secondary to forestomach disorders in cattle. Bovids undergoing rumen surgery had a favorable prognosis for survival and a fair prognosis for potential return to production.

Surgical and postoperative events during permanent fistulation of sheep rumen by the Schalk and Amadon method.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and report on the course of events during and after surgical fistulation of sheep rumen by the Schalk and Amadon method and on improvements to address current trends in animal health, care and welfare. METHODS: A permanent re-entry fistula was created in 13 sheep using a method in which a fold of rumen is exteriorised and held by a metal clamp. Following surgery, sheep were monitored daily for any abnormalities for 4 weeks, then weekly for 6 months. RESULTS: Permanent fistulation was achieved in all 13 sheep; 2 sheep had minor complications: one during the surgery (rumen perforation) and one on the day after surgery (slipping of the metal clamp), but both recovered within 48 h with treatment. Over the 4 weeks post-surgery, 7 sheep had mildly elevated rectal temperatures, which resolved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic antibiotics and/or topical antiseptic cream. There was an 8-day variation among sheep in the time from surgery to creation of the fistula. CONCLUSION: Rumen fistulation of sheep by the Schalk and Amadon method, as described here, is a comparatively simple, safe and ethical procedure, with minimal effect on or complications for the animal.

Two-Stage Rumen Cannulation Technique in Dairy Cows.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a 2-stage rumen cannulation technique for dairy cows. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 172 dairy cows from 2 research institutions. METHODS: The 2-stage rumen cannulation technique first exteriorized a rumen segment within a wooden clamp, fixing the clamp to the skin with 6 mattress sutures. After 1 week, the necrotic rumen segment was removed, leaving a rumen fistula in which a 7.5 cm cannula was inserted. This was replaced by a 10 cm cannula a further 1 week later. The surgery took an average of 30 minutes. At least 1 assistant is required for the technique. RESULTS: The overall complication frequency was 7/172 (4%). One cow and 1 heifer aborted less than 10 days after surgery. Two late-pregnant heifers died from peritonitis after insertion of the 7.5 cm cannula because of incomplete adhesion of the rumen to the abdominal wall. The exteriorized rumen segment slipped back in the abdomen in 3 cows but was successfully re-clamped prior to insertion of the 7.5 cm cannula. CONCLUSION: A high success rate was achieved with this 2-stage cannulation technique. Postoperative complications were attributed to delayed adhesion of the rumen, perhaps because of stress-related factors (e.g., transport, mixing with other animals, transition period).

Endoscopic removal of esophageal and ruminal foreign bodies in 5 Holstein calves.

Endoscopic removal of esophageal and ruminal foreign bodies was successfully performed in 5 Holstein-Friesian calves under sedation or general anesthesia by using an electrocautery snare or a wire-guided Dormi basket. This report describes the endoscopic manipulations, treatment, and outcomes of esophageal foreign body removal in these calves.

Trans-oral endoscopie pour retirer un corps étranger oesophagien ou ruminal chez 5 veaux Holstein. L'extraction d'un corps étranger oesophagien ou ruminale a été effectuée par endoscopie à l'aide d'un lassot ou d'un panier endoscopique (Dormi) avec succès chez cinq veaux de race Holstein, sous sédation ou anesthésie générale. Ce rapport de cas décrit les manipulations endoscopiques, les traitements et le pronostic suite à l'extraction endoscopique du corps étranger chez ces veaux.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Rumen transfaunation.

The aim of this invited mini-review is to summarize the rumen transfaunation literature. Rumen transfaunation using the cud from a healthy donor animal to treat a sick recipient animal was practiced long before our understanding of rumen microorganisms. Around the mid-1900 s, scientists began to explore the benefits of rumen transfaunation and the associated microbial populations. Rumen transfaunation has been used clinically to treat indigestion and to enhance the return of normal rumen function following surgical correction of a left-displaced abomasum. Rumen transfaunation was also used to introduce unique rumen microorganisms into animals that were exposed to toxic compounds in plants. Rumen liquor contains chemical constituents that likely contribute to the beneficial effects of re-establishing a normal reticulo-rumen anaerobic fermentation. Recommendations for collecting rumen fluid, storage and volumes transferred are discussed. Rumen transfaunation is a common practice to treat indigestion on dairy and livestock operations. The support of a healthy microbial community in the digestive tract is also used for humans. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been used to treat digestive disorders in humans. Rumen transfaunation, although not widely studied with respect to mode of action, is an effective, practical, and easy method to treat simple indigestion of ruminants.

An investigation of the effects of ketoprofen following rumen fistulation surgery in lactating dairy cows.

Post-operative pain management following rumen surgery is not common practice. We examined the effect of providing the pain medication ketoprofen to dairy cattle following the first stage of a rumen cannulation surgery, which involves an incision in the body wall and exteriorizing and clamping the rumen. The results of this study provide clear evidence that the first stage of the surgery was painful and ketoprofen at the time of and 24 h following surgery, alleviated some, but not all, of the post-surgical pain. Pain mitigation should be included when performing flank surgery in cattle.

Une enquête sur les effets du kétoprofène administré à des vaches laitières après une chirurgie de fistulisation du rumen. Ce n'est pas pratique courante d'administrer des analgésiques suite à la chirurgie du rumen. Cette étude a examiné les effets du médicament kétoprofène chez les vaches laitières après la première étape d'une chirurgie de fistulisation du rumen. Cette chirurgie consiste à faire une incision sur le côté gauche de l'abdomen pour ensuite sortir une partie du rumen de l'abdomen et de le fixer avec une attache. Les résultats de cette étude démontrent que la première étape était douloureuse et que l'administration du kétoprofène, à la fin de la chirurgie, ainsi qu'après 24 h, a atténué une partie de la douleur chirurgicale sans toutefois l'enlever complètement. L'administration d'analgésiques devrait faire partie intégrante du traitement lors des chirurgies abdominales chez les bovins.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Short communication: a comparison of 2 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs following the first stage of a 2-stage fistulation surgery in dry dairy cows.

Postoperative pain and its management following fistulation surgery in cattle are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) as potential postoperative pain management treatments following the first stage of a 2-stage fistulation surgery. A randomized complete block design trial was conducted in dry Holstein cows (n=10) following fistulation surgery. Ketoprofen (3mg/kg of body weight i.m.) was administered on the day of surgery and 24 h later, whereas meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg of body weight s.c.) was administered once only on the day of surgery. Outcomes evaluated at 0, 2, 9, 24, 26, and 33 h postsurgery were heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and infrared temperature around the surgical site. Outcomes evaluated on the day of surgery and d 1 following surgery and compared with the average for the 4d before surgery were lying activity (total lying time, total time spent lying on the left side, and percentage of time lying on the left side) and feed intake. A difference was observed in dry matter intake on d 1 but this effect was not different on d 0 compared with presurgical averages. A difference was observed in time spent lying on the left side and a difference was observed in heart rate following the first stage of fistulation surgery compared with presurgical averages. The infrared temperature readings around the surgical site were significantly greater in the hours following surgery compared with presurgical averages. The respiration rate increased over time after 24h postsurgery compared with presurgical values. Although it was clear that the surgery is painful, the drug effects were more difficult to explain. On d 0 and 1, the meloxicam-treated cows ate 3 kg more but spent 101 min/d less time lying on their left side compared with ketoprofen-treated cows. The first stage of a 2-stage fistulation surgery was considered painful based on changes in heart rate, respiration rate, infrared temperature readings, dry matter intake, and time spent lying on the left side. It is clear that left flank surgery is painful and that NSAID can improve outcomes associated with that pain, but we cannot make recommendations as to which NSAID to choose based on these results.

[Comparison of two methods of local anaesthesia for laparotomy in cattle]. / Vergleich zweier Lokalanästhesietechniken für die Laparotomie beim Rind.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the feasibility and efficacy of two methods of local anaesthesia with procaine 2% for flank laparotomy in cattle. MATERIAL UND METHODS: A total of 100 cattle undergoing laparotomy were divided into two groups of 50: one group underwent a modified infiltration anaesthesia (MIA) technique consisting of an incisional line block combined with an inverted L-block, and the other group underwent proximal paravertebral anaesthesia (PPVA). Indications for laparotomy were displaced abomasum, caecal disorders, rumenotomy and exploratory laparotomy. The two methods were compared with regard to the reaction of the cows to the application of anaesthesia, the degree of difficulty and the amount of time and anaesthetic agent required. The reactions of the cattle to incision of the various layers of the abdominal wall, abdominal exploration and surgical closure of the abdomen were assessed. RESULTS: Both techniques required a mean of 8 minutes to complete but the MIA method was considered more difficult than the PPVA (p=0.13). The PPVA required significantly (p<0.001) less procaine than the MIA (144 vs. 195ml). Comparison of the two techniques with respect to different types of pain reactions (no reaction, non-specific reaction, specific reaction) during cutting of the different layers of the abdominal wall revealed that PPVA provided significantly (p=0.01) better analgesia than the MIA. After PPVA, pain reactions to incision of the external oblique abdominal muscle were more severe, but reactions to abdominal exploration and to suturing the two oblique abdominal muscles were significantly (p<0.05) milder than after MIA. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Neither technique resulted in consistent and complete elimination of pain reactions in every patient, but overall PPVA had better results than the MIA. The analgesic effect of both techniques could be improved by repeated administration of procaine and mild tranquillization (Xylazine; 0.01mg/kg i.v.) before laparotomy. For PPVA, a combination of procaine and epinephrine should be used. It would be advantageous to have anaesthetic agents, e.g. lidocaine, that are more potent than procaine 2% for local analgesia in cattle.

An assessment of the impact of rumenocentesis on pain and stress in cattle and the effect of local anaesthesia.

Rumenocentesis is commonly used to collect rumen fluid to screen for acidosis. This study was designed to investigate whether rumenocentesis induced pain and stress and, if so, whether local anaesthesia could limit this. Twenty-four dairy cows were assigned to one of three treatments: (1) rumenocentesis with local anaesthesia (AR); (2) rumenocentesis without local anaesthesia (R); and (3) local anaesthesia only (A). Treatments were performed in a restraining cage. The cows were placed in the cage on three consecutive days and anaesthesia and/or rumenocentesis was performed on the second day. Blood samples for cortisol determination and heart rate were recorded from 0.25 h before treatment until 4h after. Behaviour was noted while the cows were caged. Feed intake and milk production were measured the week before treatment, on the day of treatment, and the day after. With all three treatments, cortisol concentrations and heart rate were increased while cows were in the cage. Cortisol, cardiac and behavioural responses were not significantly higher in the R and AR treatments than the A group. Cortisol concentrations and heart rate did not change between days. Feed intake and milk production were unaffected by the treatments. It was concluded that rumenocentesis does not appear more stressful than local anaesthesia or handling.

Perioperative ruminal pH changes in domestic sheep (Ovis aries) housed in a biomedical research setting.

Little information is available on normal ruminal pH values for domestic sheep (Ovis aries) housed in a research setting and fed a complete pelleted ration. Sheep maintained on pelleted diets undergoing surgical procedures often present with postoperative anorexia and rumen atony. To determine the relationship between diet and postoperative rumen acidosis and associated atony, we studied dietary effects on ruminal pH in an ovine surgical model. Sheep undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures were randomized into 2 diet groups. Group 1 (n = 6) was fed complete pelleted diet during the pre- and postoperative period, and group 2 (n = 6) was fed timothy grass hay exclusively throughout the study. Measures included ruminal pH, ruminal motility, and rate of feed refusal, which was monitored throughout the pre- and postoperative periods. The 2 groups did not differ significantly before surgery, and the ruminal parameters remained largely within normal limits. However, a downward trend in the strength and frequency of rumen contractions was observed in pellet-fed sheep. After surgery, the pellet-fed group showed clinical signs consistent with ruminal acidosis, supported by decreased ruminal motility, anorexia, putrid-smelling ruminal material, and death of ruminal protozoa. Intervention by transfaunation in clinically affected sheep resulted in resolution of signs. Our findings suggest that sheep fed grass hay appear to have a more stable ruminal pH, are less likely to experience anorexia and rumen atony, and thereby exhibit fewer postoperative gastrointestinal complications than do sheep on a pellet diet.

Technical note: ruminal cannulation technique in young Holstein calves: effects of cannulation on feed intake, body weight gain, and ruminal development at six weeks of age.

Ruminal cannulation techniques are frequently used to study fermentation in the ruminant forestomach. Unsatisfactory results with the traditionally applied procedure for cannulation of young calves stimulated the development of a simpler and more robust procedure; this procedure was tested for effects on performance traits and gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract compared with a control group not undergoing surgery. Five calves were ruminally cannulated at approximately 10 d of age and 5 matching calves were used as controls. All calves were fed milk replacer and a diet based on clover grass silage and sodium hydroxide-treated wheat. Ruminal fluid was collected from cannulated calves once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. All calves were euthanized at 43+/-3 d of age. No apparent adverse effects of cannulation were observed. Feed intake, BW gain, and gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract were not affected by cannulation. Minimum ruminal pH increased with sampling week, but average ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids concentration, and volatile fatty acids proportions were not affected by sampling week. In conclusion, the implemented surgical technique was found to have no major effect on apparent animal health and performance traits, and the cannula proved useful for multiple samplings of ruminal contents in young calves.

Rumen cannulation: procedure and use of a cannulated bovine.

Rumen cannulation can be done on a healthy animal currently in the herd with minimal expense. The surgery is no more difficult than most other routine surgical procedures performed by bovine practitioners. A cannulated animal provides a long-term, readily available source of rumen content that can be used to transfaunate herd mates that have suffered various digestive upsets.