Dry matter and digesta particle size gradients along the goat digestive tract on grass and browse diets

Physical properties of the digesta vary along the ruminant digestive tract. They also vary within the forestomach, leading to varying degrees of rumen contents stratification in ‘moose‐type’ (browsing) and ‘cattle‐type’ (intermediate and grazing) ruminants. We investigated the dry matter concentration (DM) and the mean digesta particle size (MPS) within the forestomach and along the digestive tract in 10 goats fed grass hay or dried browse after a standardized 12‐h fast, euthanasia and freezing in the natural position. In all animals, irrespective of diet, DM showed a peak in the omasum and an increase from caecum via colon towards the faeces and a decrease in MPS between the reticulum and the omasum. Both patterns are typical for ruminants in general. In the forestomach, there was little systematic difference between more cranial and more caudal locations (‘horizontal stratification’), with the possible exception of large particle segregation in the dorsal rumen blindsac on the grass diet. In contrast, the typical (vertical) contents stratification was evident for DM (with drier contents dorsally) and, to a lower degree, for MPS (with larger particles dorsally). Although evident in both groups, this stratification was more pronounced on the grass diet. The results support the interpretation that differences in rumen contents stratification between ruminants are mainly an effect of species‐specific physiology, but can be enhanced due to the diet consumed.     

Glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase activity in the digestive tract in lambs in relation to age]

Developmental dynamics was investigated in the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, E.C. 1.4.1.2.-4) and glutamine synthetase (GS, E.C. 6.3.1.2) in different parts of the digestive tract of lambs, in dependence on the age from 10 to 90 days; the goal of these investigations was to elucidate in greater detail the role of the above enzymes in nitrogen metabolism. The activity of GDH, and of the coenzymes NADH and NADPH, was followed in the digesta because simple organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants) have two glutamate dehydrogenases: they differ from each other by coenzyme specificity, unlike GDH from animal sources which can utilize both NADH coenzyme and NADPH coenzyme (Fahien et al., 1965; Frieden, 1964). The following activities of GDH and GS were found out in trials with lambs at the age of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 90 days, as to the different parts of digestive tract: in the tissues of rumen, omasum, reticulum, spleen, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, int. caecum and colon the activity of GDH (NADH) varied from 0.031 to 0.305 nkat/mg dry matter, in the digesta from 0 to 2.92 nkat/mg dry matter. An investigation of GDH (NADH, NADPH) dynamics in the digesta of lambs showed the relatively high activity of GDH (NADH) in the digesta of colon at the age of 10 days and that of GDH (NADPH) in the digesta of int. caecum. The activity of GDH (NADH) was also found to be high in the digesta of int. caecum at the age of 20 days. In that period the activity of GDH (NADH, NADPH) in the digesta of rumen, omasum and reticulum was zero.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A comparative study of the anatomy of the omasum in domesticated ruminants

The structure of the omasum was compared in 10 water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), 10 Shorthorn cattle (Bos indicus), 9 Merino sheep (Ovis aries) and 10 cross-bred goats (Capra hircus), and the functional significance of the differences is discussed. The weight of the omasum and area of the internal laminae appeared to be smaller in Brahman cattle than the buffalo and British cattle. When compared in relation to body weight, the omasums of caprid animals were smaller than those of bovids, by a factor of 0.33-0.67 but the omasums of goats were appreciably larger than sheep. The number of laminae ranged from 33 to 35 for the sheep and goats compared with 122 to 169 for the buffalo and cattle. It is suggested that the marked difference in structure of the omasum between the small and large ruminants may influence the food intake of these animals through the effects of this gut compartment on absorption of nutrients and passage of digesta.     

Macroscopic digestive tract anatomy of two small antelopes,the blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) and the Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica)

The digestive tract anatomy of 14 blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) and seven Arabian sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) was quantified by dimensions, area and weight. Data from the two small‐sized antilopinae were evaluated against a larger comparative data set from other ruminants classified as having either a ‘cattle‐type’ or ‘moose‐type’ digestive system. The digestive anatomy of the blackbuck resembled that of ‘cattle‐type’ ruminants, which corresponds to their feeding ecology and previous studies of solute and particle retention time; however, a surprising exception was the remarkably small omasum in this species, which makes the blackbuck stand out from the general rule of a relatively large omasum in grazing ruminants. Sand gazelles had morphological features that corresponded more to the ‘moose type’ or an intermediate position, although previous studies of solute and particle retention time had led to the expectation of a more ‘cattle‐type’ anatomy. The results show that outliers to general morphological trends exist, that findings on physiology and anatomy do not always match completely and that differences in the digestive morphology among ruminant species are more difficult to demonstrate at the lower end of the body mass range.     

Effects of quebracho tannin extract and activated charcoal on nutrient digestibility,digesta passage and faeces composition in goats

Irrigation agriculture of hot climates suffers from rapid soil organic carbon (C) turnover, high nitrogen (N) leaching and gaseous losses. In this context, we explored the possibility of supplementing ruminants with activated charcoal (AC) and condensed tannins (CT) to increase faecal concentration of long‐lived C and slowly decomposable N. For this purpose, we fed AC and quebracho tannin extract (QTE, source of CT) to goats and determined nutrient digestibility, digesta passage and composition of faeces. The feeding trial comprised three periods, with 24 male goats assigned to five treatments and a control. On dry matter (DM) basis, the basal diet (control) consisted of 50% hay, 46.5% crushed maize and 3.5% soya bean meal. Treatment diets contained (on DM basis) 2% and 4% QTE (QTE2, QTE4), 1.5% and 3.0% AC (AC1.5, AC3.0) and a mixture of 2% QTE plus 1.5% AC (QTEAC). Samples of feed, refusals and faeces were analysed for chemical constituents; digesta passage was computed with a one‐compartment Gamma‐2 model from pulse‐dose application of ytterbium‐mordanted fibre and quantitative collection of faeces during 7 days. Compared to the control, organic matter and N digestibility were reduced with QTE2 and QTE4 (p ≤ 0.001), that of neutral and acid detergent fibre (NDFom, ADFom) decreased with QTE4, QTEAC and both AC treatments (p ≤ 0.001). Ruminal particle passage ranged from 0.051 h^?1 (QTEAC) to 0.056 h^?1 (control; p > 0.05). Apart from the correlation between total tract mean retention time and faecal C/N ratio (r = ?0.35), passage parameters did not affect faeces quality. While faecal N concentration was not altered by both additives, AC enhanced faecal NDFom, ADFom and C concentrations (p ≤ 0.001). Whereas feeding up to 3% AC might slow down the decomposition of manure in the field without negatively affecting the digestive physiology of goats, including QTE seems not advantageous from a physiological and nutrient recycling perspective.     

Effect of heterogeneous digesta chemical composition on the accuracy of measurements of fiber flow in dairy cows.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of unrepresentative sampling of digesta particulate matter entering the omasal canal on the accuracy of fiber flow measurements. The experimental design comprised one period, one diet, and three cows as experimental units. Within each cow, the physical and chemical composition of digesta particulate matter was assessed at seven sites within the digestive tract. Three Finnish Ayshire dairy cows, equipped with ruminal and simple-T duodenal cannulas, in extended lactation were offered grass silage twice daily on an ad libitum basis. Digesta samples were collected from the rumen (dorsal and ventral sac), reticulum, omasal canal, omasum, duodenum, and rectum to determine particle size distribution in digesta, chemical composition of various particle size fractions, and distribution of two flow markers (Cr-labeled straw and indigestible NDF [INDF]) among particle size fractions. Digesta samples were wet-sieved using sieves of 2.50, 1.25, 0.630, 0.315, 0.160, and 0.080 mm. Particulate matter was analyzed for OM, NDF, and Cr concentrations, and INDF concentration was determined based on 12-d ruminal incubation. The particle size of digesta entering the omasal canal was larger compared with the omasum or the duodenum, suggesting that omasal canal samples were not representative of particle size distribution truly escaping the rumen. The concentration of potentially digestible NDF (PDNDF) decreased with decreasing particle size. The PDNDF concentration of particulate matter retained on all sieves was greatest in the rumen and gradually decreased along the digestive tract. From the reticulorumen to the omasum, the decrease was associated with decreased particle size, reflecting selective passage of particulate matter. In contrast, from the omasum to the duodenum and rectum, the PDNDF concentration decreased within each particle size fraction without effect on particle size, indicating a nonselective passage of particulate matter between these sites. Variation between particle size fractions was slightly greater for Cr concentration than for INDF concentration, indicating that unrepresentative sampling of particulate matter had a greater effect on Cr concentration compared with that of INDF. Owing to unrepresentative sampling, NDF entering the omasal canal was overestimated by 5% using INDF and underestimated by 7% using Cr as a particle phase marker. Of total NDF digestibility, proportionally 0.90, 0.07, and 0.03 occurred in the reticulorumen, omasum, and intestines, respectively. The current results indicate that, despite unrepresentative sampling of digesta particulate matter entering the omasal canal, the errors in determined NDF flow were small. The omasum may have a greater role in postruminal NDF digestion than the intestines.     

Volatile fatty acid profile for grass hay or alfalfa hay fed to alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The purpose of this study was to determine the diurnal composition and concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and to determine VFA composition and concentration differences between stomach compartment 1 (C1) and caecum of alpacas fed grass and alfalfa hay. The study was divided into two experiments. In Experiment 1 (EXP 1), 10 male alpacas (3+ years old, 65 kg BW) were divided into two groups, housed in drylot pens, provided ad libitum water and fed alfalfa (AH) or grass hay (GH) for 30 days. The alpacas were slaughtered and the digestive tract collected, divided into sub‐tract sections, weighed and digesta sampled for pH, dry matter (DM) and NDF. Volatile fatty acid composition and concentration were determined on C1 and caecal material. Four adult male (3+ years old, 60 kg BW), C1 fistulated alpacas were housed in metabolism crates and divided into two forage groups for Experiment 2 (EXP 2). Alpacas were fed the forages as in EXP 1. Diurnal C1 VFA samples were drawn at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 h post‐feeding. There were no differences between forages for tract weight, C1 and caecum digesta DM or NDF. Differences were noted (p < 0.05) for pH between forages and sub‐tract site. Volatile fatty acids concentrations were different (p < 0.05) for forage and site, and total VFA was higher for AH than GH (110.6 and 79.1 mm ) and C1 than caecum (40.7 and 27.6 mm ). Proportion of VFA was significant (p < 0.05) for forage and site, C1 acetate highest for GH (84.8 vs. 74.0 mm ) and caecum acetate 83.7 and 76.2 mm for GH and AH respectively. These data demonstrate the level of VFA produced in C1 and the caecum of alpacas and the diurnal VFA patterns. Composition of VFA is similar to other ruminant species.     

Low ambient temperature elevates plasma triiodothyronine concentrations while reducing digesta mean retention time and methane yield in sheep

Ruminant methane yield (MY) is positively correlated with mean retention time (MRT) of digesta. The hormone triiodothyronine (T₃), which is negatively correlated with ambient temperature, is known to influence MRT. It was hypothesised that exposing sheep to low ambient temperatures would increase plasma T₃ concentration and decrease MRT of digesta within the rumen of sheep, resulting in a reduction of MY. To test this hypothesis, six Merino sheep were exposed to two different ambient temperatures (cold treatment, 9 ± 1 °C; warm control 26 ± 1 °C). The effects on MY, digesta MRT, plasma T₃ concentration, CO₂ production, DM intake, DM digestibility, change in body weight (BW), rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, estimated microbial protein output, protozoa abundance, wool growth, water intake, urine output and rectal temperature were studied. Cold treatment resulted in a reduction in MY (p < 0.01); digesta MRT in rumen (p < 0.01), hindgut (p = 0.01) and total digestive tract (p < 0.01); protozoa abundance (p < 0.05); and water intake (p < 0.001). Exposure to cold temperature increased plasma T₃ concentration (p < 0.05), CO₂ production (p = 0.01), total VFA concentrations (p = 0.03) and estimated microbial output from the rumen (p = 0.03). The rate of wool growth increased (p < 0.01) due to cold treatment, but DM intake, DM digestibility and BW change were not affected. The results suggest that exposure of sheep to cold ambient temperatures reduces digesta retention time in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a reduction in enteric methane yield. Further research is warranted to determine whether T₃ could be used as an indirect selection tool for genetic selection of low enteric methane‐producing ruminants.     

Immunohistochemical evaluation of the muscularis mucosae in the ruminant forestomach

The muscularis mucosae and condensed fibrous layer of the ruminant forestomach were studied by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) and gamma-smooth muscle actin (gammaSMA). The specimens were collected from the rumen, reticulum and omasum of cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goat, Barbary sheep, Japanese serow, sika deer and mouse deer. The muscularis mucosae showed immunoreactivity for both alphaSMA and gammaSMA. On the other hand, the condensed fibrous layer appearing between the propria mucosa and tela submucosa was immunoreactive only for alphaSMA except for that in the goat and Barbary sheep reticulum which is intermingled with gammaSMA immunoreactivity. The distribution of muscularis mucosae and/or condensed fibrous layer varied among the compartments of forestomach and ruminant species. In the rumen, only the condensed fibrous layer was detected. On the other hand, the omasum contained only the muscularis mucosae. In the reticulum, both were detected. The amount of the condensed fibrous layer in the reticulum varied among different species in the following order of abundance: goat > Barbary sheep > sika deer> sheep > water buffalo > cattle and Japanese serow. Smooth muscle cells of external muscle layer were immunoreactive for alphaSMA and gammaSMA whereas those of blood vessels and pericytes were immunoreactive only for alphaSMA. The present findings on the actin immunoreactivity and distribution profile of muscularis mucosae and the condensed fibrous layer provide additional knowledge to further understand the histophysiological specialization of the different compartments of the ruminant forestomach.     

Effect of cereal straw and alfalfa hay diet on amino acid profile of gastrointestinal digesta in lactating dairy cows

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with rice straw (RS) or corn stover (CS) on amino acid (AA) profiles of gastrointestinal digesta in lactating cows. Eighteen lactating dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 6) and fed identical concentrate and corn silage with different forages on dry matter basis: (i) 23% alfalfa hay and 7% Chinese wild rye hay (AH); (ii) 30% CS; and (iii) 30% RS. After the 14‐week feeding, a total of 18 cows were slaughtered to collect digesta from four representative organs, including rumen, omasum, duodenum and jejunum. The AA profiles of ruminal microbial fraction were similar among the treatments, except for greater Arg in cows fed RS than in cows fed AH or CS. Most of the analysed AA changed under different diets. Significant differences were found among the microbial fraction, rumen fluid and rumen digesta, with greater essential AA in digesta than in microbial fraction or rumen fluid and greater essential AA in microbial fraction than rumen fluid. Significant differences in individual AA profiles of digesta and relevant fluid were found across the four representative digestive tract parts, including rumen, omasum, duodenum and jejunum, showing much lower Leu proportion in CS and RS than in AH in duodenal fluid. In summary, ruminal microbes may prefer using essential AA, rather than non‐essential AA. The AA profile of ruminal microbes was constant except for Arg. The AA composition of digesta across the four digestive tracts changed dramatically, which indicated differences in the ability and efficiency of AA absorption. The lower duodenum absorbable Leu proportion in cows fed CS or RS indicated the shortage of Leu in CS or RS diets, which might also restrict the balanced AA absorption.     

Utilization of digital differential display to identify differentially expressed genes related to rumen development

This study aimed to identify the genes associated with the development of the rumen epithelium by screening for candidate genes by digital differential display (DDD) in silico. Using DDD in NCBI's UniGene database, expressed sequence tag (EST)‐based gene expression profiles were analyzed in rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum and other tissues in cattle. One hundred and ten candidate genes with high expression in the rumen were derived from a library of all tissues. The expression levels of 11 genes in all candidate genes were analyzed in the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum of nine Japanese Black male calves (5‐week‐old pre‐weaning: n = 3; 15‐week‐old weaned calves: n = 6). Among the 11 genes, only 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), aldo‐keto reductase family 1, member C1‐like (AKR1C1), and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) showed significant changes in the levels of gene expression in the rumen between the pre‐ and post‐weaning of calves. These results indicate that DDD analysis in silico can be useful for screening candidate genes related to rumen development, and that the changes in expression levels of three genes in the rumen may have been caused by weaning, aging or both. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science     

Copper,iron, zinc and tannin concentrations throughout the digestive tract of tropical goats and sheep fed a high-fibre tannin-rich diet

The dry season in tropical regions urges livestock to feed on nutritionally very poor diets. It has not been explored how tropical sheep—assumed grazers—and tropical goats—intermediate browsers—cope with a high-fibre tannin-rich diet. This study was designed to determine the effects of a high-fibre and tannin-rich diet on the flow of important microminerals iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) throughout the digestive tract of tropical sheep and goats. The feeding trial was set up with twelve adult male animals, six sheep with mean body weight (BW) of 30.3 ± 1.6 kg and six goats with mean BW of 26.4 ± 2.2 kg. The feed consisted of 36% leaves of Millettia ferruginea, 61% hay and 3% concentrate and was offered at 3% of BW (all on dry matter (DM) basis). The total faecal collection was carried out for 7 consecutive days. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were slaughtered to collect liver and digesta samples from the gastrointestinal tract. Feed, digesta and faecal samples underwent analysis of Fe, Zn, and Cu and total tannins (TT). Goats had significantly higher reticulum Cu concentrations expressed on DM as compared to sheep. Faecal Cu concentrations were higher for goats compared to sheep. Reticulum and colon digesta Zn levels were higher in goats than sheep. Abomasum and colon Fe levels were higher in sheep than goats when expressed on DM. These results suggest differences in feed intake, micromineral absorption, secretion and excretion between sheep and goats, pointing to a divergent mineral metabolism as an adaptation to the challenge of a dry season diet having very low nutritive value.     

Physical characteristics of reticuloruminal contents of oxen in relation to forage type and time after feeding

The stratification of reticulorumen (RR) contents has been described in domestic ruminants, but suspected to be absent in certain wild ruminant species. To investigate how such stratification could be quantified, we tested variables indicating stratification in three oxen with rumen cannulae, fed once daily for 3 h, one of three different forages (fresh grass FG, grass hay GH, lucerne hay LH). Ingesta samples from dorsal rumen (DR), ventral rumen (VR) and reticulum (RET) were taken at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after the last meal and analyzed for dry matter (DM) concentration, mean particle size and proportion of floating/sedimenting particles. Viscosity was measured in centrifuged RR fluid. There was no relevant variation in rumen fluid viscosity over time or with feeding regime. Dry matter content in DR was always higher than in VR or RET and increased after feeding. When LH and FG were fed, DR always contained larger particles than VR, except at 6 and 12 h of feeding GH. The proportion of floating particles was higher in DR than VR except at GH 6 h and GR between 6 and 12 h. The floating particle fraction mostly contained larger particles, except for GH 3 h in both DR and VR and for FG 3–12 h in DR. Changes in the distribution of particle size and proportion of floating particles over time comply with the theoretical course of fermentative digestion for different forages, but make these variables unreliable indicators of stratification in less controlled settings, such as investigations in wild ruminants. In contrast, viscosity of rumen fluids appears constant over time and feeding regime and might be used as a species‐specific variable. The difference in DM content in DR and VR is a reliable indicator for RR contents stratification characterized by an oversaturation of the contents with fluid, leading to lower VR DM contents.     

饲用甜高粱和全株玉米青贮对肉羊前胃微生态的影响

本试验旨在探究饲用甜高粱青贮（sweet sorghum silage, SS）和全株玉米青贮（whole-plant corn silage, CS）对肉羊前胃微生态的影响。选择健康的3~4月龄杜泊母羊［（33.40±1.68） kg］14只,随机分为2组,每组7只羊,每只羊为1个重复,分别喂甜高粱青贮（SS组）和玉米青贮（CS组）,单栏饲喂并自由饮水。预饲期15 d,正试期90 d,在正试期测定并计算生长性能指标,正试期结束后,每组选取4只羊进行屠宰,采集前胃（瘤胃、网胃和瓣胃）食糜和组织样品,对前胃发酵参数、微生物表达量、上皮颜色和组织结构进行观察和测定。结果表明：1）CS组肉羊的干物质采食量显著高于SS组（P<0.05）。2）甜高粱青贮和玉米青贮育肥肉羊90 d后,对前胃的pH值未产生显著影响（P>0.05）;在网胃内容物中,SS组肉羊氨氮浓度显著高于CS组（P<0.05）,CS组肉羊丁酸含量显著高于SS组（P<0.05）;SS组肉羊瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸含量显著高于CS组（P<0.05）。3）SS组肉羊瘤胃内短普雷沃氏菌、栖普雷沃氏菌、产琥珀酸丝状杆菌和黄色瘤胃球菌的表达量显著高于CS组（P<0.05）。4）饲粮处理显著影响前胃颜色,CS组肉羊的前胃上皮颜色比SS组深（P<0.05）。5）SS组肉羊瘤胃乳头宽度显著高于CS组（P<0.05）,饲喂甜高粱青贮和玉米青贮对肉羊网胃黏膜厚度、黏膜下层厚度和肌层厚度并未产生显著影响（P>0.05）,CS组肉羊的瓣胃黏膜上皮厚度显著高于SS组（P<0.05）。综上所述,在本试验条件下,和饲用玉米青贮相比,饲用甜高粱青贮肉羊的采食量较低,且这两种青贮料饲喂对肉羊的微生态有影响,甜高粱青贮组肉羊的瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸含量、前胃内纤维分解菌的表达量以及瘤胃乳头宽度等指标显著高于玉米青贮组,且甜高粱青贮组肉羊的前胃上皮颜色较浅,角质化程度低,有利于肉羊的胃肠道健康。     

牛羊养殖中前胃疾病鉴别诊断方法

牛羊都是反刍动物,它们拥有4个胃,分别是瘤胃、网胃、瓣胃和真胃。前3个胃统称为前胃,在前胃中有大量的可以分解和消化饲料中粗纤维的细菌,是牛羊以粗饲料作为主要食物的原因之一。很多牛羊非常容易出现前胃疾病,饲养人员要掌握牛羊前胃疾病的预防办法和治疗措施。     

Morphological study of the Forestomach of the Japanese Serow (Capricomis crispus)

Details of the morphology of the forestomach of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) were examined macroscopically, and by light and scanning electron microscopy. The rumen was sac-like in shape, and the right accessory longitudinal groove was not visible externally. The reticulum was relatively small, while the omasum was oval and large. Inside the rumen, even in the dorsal sac, the ruminal papillae were densely distributed, although absent on the pillars. The caudodorsal coronary pillar was indistinct. In the ruminoreticular fold, ruminal papillae were observed even on the reticulum side. In the reticulum, the primary reticular fold was apparent and the ill-defined secondary folds were also detected in some reticular cells. In the omasum, the omasal laminae of four sizes were recognized. The fourth order of laminae was occasionally absent. Histological sections of ruminal papillae revealed that softly keratinized epithelium covered the entire ruminal mucosa. In the reticulum, soft keratinized epithelium was observed throughout, with the exception of the tips of reticular papillae on which the epithelium showed evidence of hard keratinization. The epithelium of the omasal laminae was moderately keratinized. On the floor of the reticular groove, interlaminar area and in the omasal groove, the accumulations of numerous eosinophilic cells were observed in the superficial region. Under the scanning electron microscope, shallow transverse grooves were seen on the surface of the ruminal papillae. In general, the surface structure seemed to be similar to that of sheep rather than cattle. Cellular formations of the collagen fibrils were observed at the subepithelial region. In conclusion, examination of the forestomach allows classification of the Japanese serows as requiring an intermediate type of feeding habit and being between concentrate selectors and grass-roughage eaters from a morphological view.     

碳酸盐缓冲合剂对牛酸过多性胃肠弛缓的治疗效果

为进一步验证碳酸盐缓冲合剂对牛胃肠弛缓自然病例的治疗效果 ,对前胃弛缓 (5 2例 )、瘤胃积食 (42例 )、瘤胃酸中毒 (18例 )、瓣胃秘结 (6例 )、肠便秘 (2例 )等以酸过多性胃肠弛缓为临床特征的 12 0例病牛投服了碳酸盐缓冲合剂 (Na2 CO35 0 g,Na HCO342 0 g,KCl 2 0 g,Na Cl 10 0 g,常水 10 L )。结果平均治愈率高达 95 % ,平均投用方剂数为(1.4± 0 .5 )付。从而认为 ,对起因于胃肠酸碱环境改变的酸过多性胃肠弛缓疾病投服碳酸盐缓冲合剂可有效纠正胃肠弛缓状态 ,为反刍兽胃肠弛缓开辟了新的防治途径 ,创立了又一个病因 -发病机理疗法 ,     

Exchanges of magnesium and phosphorus at different sites in the ruminant stomach

Three ruminating calves were each provided with a rumen cannula (from which reticulum samples could be obtained), an abomasal cannula and a sleeve sutured at the omasal-abomasal orifice that permitted digesta flowing from the omasum to be diverted and collected. The calves were each given in turn a high roughage (HR) and high concentrate (HC) diet consisting mainly of dried grass and flaked maize in the proportions by weight of 3:2 and 1:2 respectively. A water soluble non-absorbable marker (polyethylene glycol) and a particulate marker (103Ru-phenanthroline complex) were also given and the diets were sometimes supplemented with MgSO4. For each diet (HR(O), HR(Mg), HC(O), HC(Mg)) samples were taken from the reticulum and omasal outflow. Magnesium, phosphorus, PEG and 103Ru were measured in the samples as taken and liquid-rich and solid-rich fractions prepared from them. From their distributions relative to the two markers, Mg and P flows into and out of the omasum were estimated. Results were too few to show significant differences in absorption efficiency between diets but overall approximately 10-40% of the Mg entering the omasum was absorbed as a net effect implying that this organ may be the major site of Mg absorption in young cattle. For P also substantial amounts entering the omasum (approximately 10-40%) were absorbed in that organ.