Continuous monitoring of rumen pH - a case study with cattle

The use of a new pH probe for continuous rumen pH measurement was investigated in a preliminary study in cattle during a 10-day period. Two cannulated non-pregnant dairy cows were used together with two autonomous stomach probes, containing a commercial microelectrode and a reference-electrode with a pressure-equalizing system. By feeding diets with changing composition it was thought to provoke marked changes in rumen pH. Probes were programmed to sample pH and temperature every 30 s. During the entire experimental period, three daily rumen fluid samples were collected via the cannula as close to the probe as possible. Upon removal of probes, final calibration revealed only minor drifting of electrodes, that was significantly lower than results obtained during previous work with continuous measurement of gastric pH. After drift correction, the calculated absolute error of respective probe measurements for 11 sampling events was on average 0.08 pH for cow 817 (maximum 0.085 pH) and 0.14 pH for cow 686 (maximum 0.146 pH). pH measured by gastric probe was on average lower (i.e. more acid) than pH determined by tube sampling, with a mean difference of 0.33 pH (maximum 0.54) and 0.05 pH (maximum 0.5) for cow 817 and cow 686, respectively. The present prototype may thus play an important role in the development of a telemetric device for continuous monitoring of rumen pH in cattle and potentially other ruminants.     

The inhibitory effect of bovine rumen fluid on Salmonella typhimurium.

The possible fate of Salmonella typhimurium in the rumen was investigated by monitoring rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate concentrations and pH over periods which included regular feeding and 48 h starvation. Preparations were made containing 50 per cent rumen fluid from the cow or VFA solutions, and then inoculated with S typhimurium. Viable counts before and after incubation for 24 h at 37 degrees C were compared. Incubation in broths with high concentrations of VFA and low pH resulted in a marked decrease in salmonella numbers, while lower VFA concentrations had little or no inhibitory effect on growth.     

饲粮不同NFC/NDF对肉用绵羊瘤胃pH、氨态氮和挥发性脂肪酸的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维(NFC/NDF)对肉用绵羊瘤胃pH、氨态氮和挥发性脂肪酸的影响.选用(47.21±1.01)kg安装有瘤胃瘘管的杜泊羊(♂)×小尾寒羊(♀)杂交1代肉用公羊12只,采用12×4不完全拉丁方设计,试验分4期进行,每期16 d,分别饲喂NFC/NDF为0.25、0.34、0.36、0.52、0.60、0.80、0.87、1.13、1.30、1.58、2.17和2.49的12种饲粮.结果表明:随着NFC/NDF的增加,试验羊瘤胃pH极显著线性降低(P＜0.01),氨态氮浓度极显著线性增加(P＜0.01),瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸及丁酸比例呈显著三次曲线变化(P＜0.05),总挥发性脂肪酸中的丙酸、戊酸和异戊酸比例极显著线性增加(P＜0.01),乙酸比例和乙酸/丙酸极显著线性降低(P＜0.01).由此可见,饲粮NFC/NDF对瘤胃pH、氨态氮和挥发性脂肪酸具有显著影响.     

杀灭瘤胃纤毛虫对饲喂粗料日粮湖羊纤维素消化代谢的影响

系列Ⅰ应用两头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管和十二指肠“Ｔ”型瘘管的湖羊，舍饲青干草；系列Ⅱ两头湖羊除装有上述两瘘管外还装有回肠瘘管，舍饲青草。研究杀灭瘤胃纤毛虫对纤维素消化代谢的影响。结果表明：杀灭瘤胃纤毛虫后，瘤胃内ＮＨ３·Ｎ浓度显著下降（Ｐ＜０．００１），ＭＣＰ显著上升（Ⅰ：Ｐ＜０．０５，Ⅱ：Ｐ＜０．０１）；复胃中氮的表现消化率显著下降，进入十二指肠的ＮＡＮ量显著增加，且肠道中氮的表现消化率极显著上升；复胃中纤维素的消化率增加；复胃与大肠的微生物消化之间存在代偿作用。     

Methaphylactic effect of tulathromycin treatment on rumen fluid parameters in feedlot beef cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tulathromycin as a bovine respiratory disease (BRD) metaphylactic treatment on rumen fluid parameters in feedlot cattle in an intensive livestock production farm. One hundred beef cattle, immediately after housing, were divided in 2 equal groups: 50 animals with metaphylactic treatment against BRD (treated group; tulathromycin at 2.5 mg/kg BW) and 50 animals with placebo treatment (control group). Rumen fluid samples were collected from each animal by rumenocentesis in 3 periods: 1 d (T1), 8 d (T8), and 15 d (T15) after treatment. Rumen pH was determined by ruminal fluid using portable pH meter. Total volatile fatty acids (total VFA) were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All animals were singularly weighed at T1 and T15. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine significant effects of treatment (treated group versus control group) and period (T1, T8, and T15) on rumen fluid parameters and body weight. No clinical signs of BRD or other related diseases were recorded during the periods of study from any animal. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between treated group and control group for mean values of ruminal pH (6.02 versus 5.89) and total VFA (5.84 versus 5.13) at 8 d after treatment. The weight gain (Δ) showed an average increase of 8.6 kg in treated group (P < 0.05). The trends of ruminal pH and VFA values suggest an effect of tulathromycin as BRD metaphylactic treatment on the modulation of rumen fermentation, particularly 8 d after administration.     

添喂赖氨酸席夫碱 铜配合物对绵羊瘤胃发酵的影响

选用4只体重约40 kg、安装永久性瘤胃瘘管的新疆美利奴羯羊按分期试验设计，分别添喂赖氨酸席夫碱-铜配合物0（第Ⅰ期）、4（第Ⅱ期）、8（第Ⅲ期）g/d·只，以研究不同水平的赖氨酸席夫碱 铜配合物对绵羊瘤胃发酵的影响。结果表明：随着添喂水平的提高，绵羊对玉米秸秆干物质的采食量增加，其中添喂量为8 g/d·只组与0 g/d·只组相比，采食量提高了12.5％（P＜0.05）。瘤胃液pH在4 g/d·只组与对照组之间无明显差异（P＞0.05），添喂8 g/d·只时在前3 h内具有明显减缓瘤胃液pH下降的作用。各组瘤胃液NH3-N含量差异不明显（P＞0.05），但8 g/d·只组的整体瘤胃液NH3-N含量有降低趋势。添喂赖氨酸席夫碱-铜配合物可降低乙酸和TVFA含量，提高丙酸和丁酸含量，使瘤胃发酵由乙酸型向丙酸型转变。本试验结果表明，添喂赖氨酸席夫碱 铜配合物对绵羊瘤胃发酵有一定的调节作用。     

Changes in rumen microbial fermentation are due to a combined effect of type of diet and pH

Low ruminal pH may occur when feeding high-concentrate diets. However, because the reduction in pH occurs at the same time as the amount of concentrate fed increases, the changes observed in rumen fermentation may be attributed to pH or the type of substrate being fermented. Our objective was to determine the contribution of pH and type of substrate being fermented to the changes observed in rumen fermentation after supplying a high-concentrate diet. Eight dual-flow, continuous culture fermenters (1,400 mL) were used in 4 periods to study the effect of pH and type of diet being fermented on rumen microbial fermentation. Temperature (39 degrees C), solid (5%/h), and liquid (10%/h) dilution rates, and feeding schedule were maintained constant. Treatments were the type of diet (FOR = 60% ryegrass and alfalfa hays and 40% concentrate; CON = 10% straw and 90% concentrate) and pH (4.9, 5.2, 5.5, 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 6.7, and 7.0). Diets were formulated to have similar CP and ruminally undegradable protein levels. Data were analyzed as a mixed-effects model considering the linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of pH, the effects of diet, and their interactions. Semipartial correlations of each independent variable were calculated to estimate the contribution of each factor to the overall relationship. True digestion of OM and NDF were affected by pH, but not by type of diet. Total VFA were reduced by pH and were greater in CON than in FOR. Acetate and butyrate concentrations were reduced by pH but were not affected by diet. Propionate concentration increased as the pH decreased and was greater in CON than in FOR. Ammonia-N concentration decreased with decreasing pH and was lower in CON than in FOR. Microbial N flow was affected by pH, diet, and their interaction. Dietary N flow increased as pH decreased and was greater in CON than in FOR. The degradation of CP followed the opposite pattern, increasing as pH increased, and was less in CON than in FOR. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (g of N/kg of OM truly digested) was slightly reduced by pH and was less in CON than in FOR. These results indicate that the effects of feeding a high-concentrate diet on rumen fermentation are due to a combination of pH and substrate. Furthermore, the digestion of OM in high-concentrate diets is likely limited by the pH-induced effects on the microbial population activity.     

Simultaneous estimation of the pH of rumen and reticulum fluids of cows using a radio-transmission pH-measurement system

Circadian pH changes in the fluid of the rumen (bottom and middle) and reticulum were assessed simultaneously using wireless and wired radio-transmission pH-measurement systems in cows fed a control diet (C diet) or rumen-acidosis-inducing diet (RAI diet). The pH in the three sites decreased following the morning and evening feedings. In cows fed the C diet, the bottom-rumen and reticular pH reverted to the basal level by the next morning, while the middle-rumen pH did not recover completely, suggesting that active fermentation occurred in the middle of the rumen. The mean pH at 1 hr intervals was higher in the reticulum than at the bottom and in the middle of the rumen. The relatively stable reticular pH may result from dilution due to salivation. In cows fed the RAI diet, the bottom-rumen pH fell to approximately 5.2 after the evening feeding, but returned to the basal level by the next morning. In contrast, the middle-rumen pH did not return to the basal level (6.5) within 24 hr, presumably owing to continuous, vigorous fermentation. There were positive correlations between the pH at the bottom and in the middle of the rumen and at the bottom of the rumen and in the reticulum. These findings indicate that our radio-transmission pH-measurement system may be suitable tool for simultaneous measurement of pH in the rumen and reticulum fluid.     

日粮不同NFC/NDF比对奶山羊瘤胃pH值、挥发性脂肪酸及乳酸含量的影响

试验旨在探讨日粮不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维比（NFC/NDF）对奶山羊瘤胃发酵参数的影响。选择6只安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的关中奶山羊作为试验动物,采用自身对照试验法,共分为4组（分4期进行）,每期10d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF比分别为1.02（Ⅰ期）、1.24（Ⅱ期）、1.63（Ⅲ期）、2.58（Ⅳ期）的4种日粮。结果表明,随着日粮NFC/NDF比的提高瘤胃pH值降低,瘤胃pH值下降速率和下降幅度及pH值低于5.2、5.5、5.8、6.0的持续时间随之加快、延长;瘤胃丙酸、丁酸及总挥发性脂肪酸（TVFA）含量随日粮NFC/NDF比提高呈增加趋势,而乙酸含量及乙酸/丙酸则呈降低趋势;血浆乙酸、丙酸、丁酸及TVFA均呈增加趋势。当日粮NFC/NDF比达2.58时,瘤胃pH值在5.2～5.5之间持续时间每日达7h以上,此时瘤胃乳酸含量较低,血浆及瘤胃TVFA含量显著提高（P〈0.05）。结果表明,随着日粮NFC/NDF比的提高,使瘤胃逐渐处于酸性环境,改变了瘤胃发酵模式;瘤胃pH值的下降主要源于瘤胃TVFA增多,而非乳酸;当日粮NFC/NDF比为2.58时,奶山羊发生亚急性瘤胃酸中毒。     

Effect of a hay and a grain diet on the rate of hydrolysis of ochratoxin A in the rumen of sheep

The hydrolysis of ochratoxin A (OA) and the corresponding formation of its hydrolysis product, alpha ochratoxin (O alpha), by ruminal digesta and in the rumen of hay-fed and grain-fed sheep were compared. Ruminal contents from sheep fed diets with hay or with grain hydrolyzed OA in vitro; the majority of the activity was associated with the particulate fraction of the ruminal contents. The rate of hydrolysis of OA by ruminal fluid that was adjusted to different pH values was not influenced (P greater than .6) by the pH of the samples (pH was from 5.5 to 7.0). Ruminal fluid obtained from hay-fed animals (pH 7.0) was able to hydrolyze OA in vitro and to produce the hydrolyzed product, O alpha, at a much greater rate (fivefold) than ruminal fluid obtained from grain-fed animals (pH 5.5) (P less than .01). Ochratoxin A was administered intraruminally at a concentration of .5 mg/kg of BW to hay-fed and grain-fed sheep. The half-lives for disappearance of OA from the rumen of sheep fed grain (normal feed intake, rumen pH 5.7), fed grain at a low level (30% of normal feed intake, pH 6.5), and fed hay (pH 7.1) were 3.6, 1.3, and .6 h, respectively. The results suggest that OA is hydrolyzed much faster in the rumen of sheep fed hay than in sheep fed grain, presumably because of the different ruminal microbial population, which in turn influenced the rate of hydrolysis of OA.     

Ruminal acidosis and the rapid onset of ruminal parakeratosis in a mature dairy cow: a case report

A mature dairy cow was transitioned from a high forage (100% forage) to a high-grain (79% grain) diet over seven days. Continuous ruminal pH recordings were utilized to diagnose the severity of ruminal acidosis. Additionally, blood and rumen papillae biopsies were collected to describe the structural and functional adaptations of the rumen epithelium. On the final day of the grain challenge, the daily mean ruminal pH was 5.41 ± 0.09 with a minimum of 4.89 and a maximum of 6.31. Ruminal pH was under 5.0 for 130 minutes (2.17 hours) which is characterized as the acute form of ruminal acidosis in cattle. The grain challenge increased blood beta-hydroxybutyrate by 1.8 times and rumen papillae mRNA expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase by 1.6 times. Ultrastructural and histological adaptations of the rumen epithelium were imaged by scanning electron and light microscopy. Rumen papillae from the high grain diet displayed extensive sloughing of the stratum corneum and compromised cell adhesion as large gaps were apparent between cells throughout the strata. This case report represents a rare documentation of how the rumen epithelium alters its function and structure during the initial stage of acute acidosis.     

Anti-lipopolysaccharide antibody administration mitigates ruminal lipopolysaccharide release and depression of ruminal pH during subacute ruminal acidosis challenge in Holstein bull cattle

The effects of anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody on rumen fermentation and LPS activity were investigated during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenge. Eleven Holstein cattle (164 ± 14 kg) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cattle were fed a roughage diet on days −11 to −1 (pre-challenge) and day 2 (post-challenge), and a high-grain diet on days 0 and 1 (SARA challenge). For 14 days, 0-, 2-, or 4-g of anti-LPS antibody was administered once daily through a rumen fistula. Ruminal pH was measured continuously, and rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on days −1, 0, 1, and 2. Significantly lower ruminal LPS activity on day 1 was observed in the 2- and 4-g groups than those in the 0-g group. In addition, significantly higher 1-hr mean ruminal pH on SARA challenge period (days 0 and 1) was identified in the 4-g group than in the 0-g group. However, rumen fermentation measurements (total volatile fatty acid [VFA], VFA components, NH₃-N and lactic acid) and peripheral blood metabolites (glucose, free fatty acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate, total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were not different among the groups during the experimental periods. Therefore, anti-LPS antibody administration mitigates LPS release and pH depression without the depression of rumen fermentation and peripheral blood metabolites during SARA challenge in Holstein cattle.     

Effects of an abrupt increase of starch-rich concentrates in the diet of dairy cows on concentrations of volatile fatty acids in the rumen and large intestine and on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon

OBJECTIVES: To describe the effects of an abrupt increase of concentrates in the diet of dairy cows on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon and on fermentation patterns in the rumen and large intestine. ANIMALS: 6 healthy lactating Simmental x Red-Holstein cows. PROCEDURES: The diet of 6 cows implanted with bipolar electrodes in the spiral colon was changed from hay only to a ration of 50% hay:50% starch-rich concentrates during a period of 60 hours. Myoelectric activity of the spiral colon, concentrations of absolute and undissociated volatile fatty acids (VFA), and pH of ruminal and large intestinal contents were monitored before, during, and after the dietary change. RESULTS: Significant changes in patterns of myoelectric activity of the spiral colon were restricted to phases III and IV of the bovine migrating myoelectric complex and to propagation velocity. Significant alterations were not observed in pH or VFA concentrations in ruminal fluid, but pH decreased and VFA concentrations increased significantly in fecal specimens after the change of diet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although rumen fluid is of limited value for measurement of certain indicators of fermentation, fecal samples can be used for measurement of pH and VFA concentrations, which serve as indicators of fermentation patterns in the large intestine. Increased concentrations of VFA and low pH in large intestinal digesta have a minimal influence on myoelectric activity of the spiral colon. Increased luminal VFA concentrations are unlikely to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of motility disorders of the large intestine in cattle.     

The effect of sodium butyrate supplementation on ruminal and fecal pH and serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein after ruminal acidosis challenge in nonlactating cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of sodium-butyrate supplementation on gastrointestinal function and the inflammatory response to ruminal acidosis (RA) challenge in cows. Four nonlactating cows with a rumen cannula were assigned to two treatments in a crossover design. Treatments were ruminal administration of sodium-butyrate (BUT) or control (CON). Sodium-butyrate was provided as Gustor BP70 and administered at a butyrate dose of 0.04% per kg body weight. The CON premix was made by replacing sodium-butyrate with wheat bran. Experimental periods were 28 days long with 21-day washout period separating the treatments. On Day 25 of each period, corn starch was ruminally administered at 0.7% per kg body weight as RA challenge. After RA challenge, ruminal pH was lower, and endotoxin concentration was higher for cows provided with BUT than those with CON, but the increase in fecal starch and the decrease in fecal pH were attenuated by BUT. The effect of butyrate supplementation on serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein after RA challenge was not found. From these findings, butyrate supplementation mitigated rectal acidosis by reducing the flux of fermentable carbohydrate into the large intestine. An anti-inflammatory effect of butyrate was not observed, possibly due to lower pH and higher endotoxin concentration in the rumen.     

饲粮中添加海南霉素对奶牛瘤胃发酵及甲烷产量的影响

本试验旨在研究海南霉素对荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃发酵模式及甲烷产量的影响。试验选用3头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管、体况相近的中国荷斯坦奶牛,采用3×3拉丁方试验设计,试验分为3期,每期15 d,试验设负对照组(不添加任何添加剂)、正对照组(添加10 mg/kg莫能菌素)和海南霉素组(添加7.2 mg/kg海南霉素)。结果表明:饲粮中添加海南霉素后,除在采食后2 h显著提高奶牛瘤胃内pH(P<0.05)外,其他时间均无显著影响(P>0.05);采食后0、2、8和10 h,海南霉素组氨态氮(NH3-N)浓度均显著低于负对照组(P<0.05),而采食后6 h,海南霉素有抑制NH3-N释放的趋势(P=0.06);采食后0、2、4和6 h,海南霉素组乙酸浓度及乙酸与丙酸的比值与负对照组相比均显著降低(P<0.05),丙酸浓度显著升高(P<0.05),总挥发性脂肪酸和丁酸浓度没有显著变化(P>0.05)。海南霉素显著抑制了瘤胃甲烷的产生(P=0.02),海南霉素组的奶牛甲烷呼出量为216.50 L/d,比负对照组降低了14.03%。由此得出结论:饲粮中添加海南霉素可以改变奶牛瘤胃的发酵类型,使其更趋向于丙酸型发酵,并显著降低动物的甲烷呼出量。     

The effects of oral magnesium hydroxide administration on rumen fluid in cattle

This study was conducted to determine the effects of oral magnesium hydroxide administration on rumen fluid in cattle. Six lactating Holstein cows (4-7 years of age) with rumen fistulas were studied. Cattle were randomly assigned to receive boluses of magnesium hydroxide (162 g) or a powdered form (450 g dissolved in 3.5 L of water) PO daily for 3 days. Analysis of rumen fluid, blood gas tensions, and pH and measurement of serum magnesium concentrations were conducted daily. The study was discontinued after 72 hours, or sooner if rumen pH exceeded 8.0. After at least 3 weeks, the study was repeated with each cow receiving the other form of magnesium hydroxide (powder or bolus). Compared with baseline rumen pH (mean +/- SD: 6.22 +/- 0.28), magnesium hydroxide boluses caused a significant increase (P < .05) in rumen pH after 48 (7.27 +/- 0.11) and 72 (8.01 +/- 0.16) hours of administration, whereas the powdered form caused a significant increase (P < .05) in rumen pH after 24 (7.54 +/- 0.19) and 48 (8.43 +/- 0.22) hours of administration. Both the powdered and bolus forms of magnesium hydroxide decreased rumen protozoal numbers and increased methylene blue reduction times compared with baseline values. There was no change in blood pH, bicarbonate, or base excess values. Serum magnesium concentrations were significantly increased (P < .05) in cows that received the magnesium hydroxide powder. The results of this study indicate that magnesium hydroxide has a potent alkalinizing effect on rumen pH and significantly decreases rumen microbial activity.     

Effect of the magnitude of the decrease of rumen pH on rumen fermentation in a dual-flow continuous culture system

The negative effect of pH on rumen microbial fermentation has been associated with the total amount of time that pH is below a certain threshold. However, not only the time, but also the magnitude of the pH reduction, is important. Eight 1,325-mL dual-flow continuous culture fermenters were used in 2 replicated periods to determine the effect of the magnitude of pH reduction (5.6 vs. 5.1) during 4 h/d on rumen microbial fermentation. Fermenters were maintained at a constant temperature (38.5 degrees C) and fed 97 g/d of a 60:40 forage:concentrate diet (19.2% CP, 29.0% NDF, and 18.2% ADF, DM basis), and the solid and liquid dilution rates were controlled at 5.0 and 10.0%/h, respectively. Treatments were a constant pH 6.4 (H), 4 h/d at pH 5.6 (L), 4 h/d at pH 5.1 (VL), and 2 h/d at pH 5.1 and 2 h/d at pH 7.1 (HL). Relative to H, L did not affect OM and NDF digestion, the VFA profile, NH(3)-N concentration, CP degradation, or the flow of dietary N. In contrast, VL tended (P < 0.10) to reduce true OM digestion, reduce the NDF digestibility and the acetate and branch-chained VFA proportions, and increase the propionate proportion. Compared with H, VL reduced the CP degradation and the flow of dietary N. Relative to H, treatment HL did not affect OM and NDF digestibility, the acetate proportion, CP degradation, or the flow of dietary N but increased the propionate proportion and decreased the branch-chained VFA proportion and NH(3)-N concentration. There were no differences among treatments in the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, the flow of bacterial N, or the flow of essential and nonessential AA. In summary, fermentation was not affected by either 4 h/d at pH 5.6 or fluctuating pH between 5.1 (2 h/d) and 7.1 (2 h/d), but when pH was at 5.1 for 4 h/d, rumen microbial fermentation was modified, suggesting that effects of low pH on rumen microbial fermentation are dependent on the magnitude of the pH decrease.     

Forestomach epithelial receptor activation by rumen fluids from sheep given intraruminal infusions of volatile fatty acids

Forty-four reticuloruminal epithelial receptors were tested with rumen fluids obtained from 12 sheep before they were intraruminally infused with 4.0M acetic acid (8 sheep) or 4.0M butyric acid (4 sheep; preinfusion rumen fluid) and with rumen fluids obtained at the onset of ruminal stasis (abolition rumen fluid). The preinfusion rumen fluids from the 8 acetic acid-infused sheep (mean pH, 6.55) contained 1.7 mM nondissociated volatile fatty acids (VFA)/L and excited none of the 25 receptors tested. Preinfusion rumen fluids from the 4 butyric acid-infused sheep (mean pH, 6.98) contained 0.3 mM nondissociated VFA/L and also did not evoke responses in any of the 19 receptors tested. Abolition rumen fluids from sheep treated with acetic acid excited 17 of the 25 receptors tested and contained 89.4 mM nondissociated VFA/L, of which nondissociated acetic acid comprised 85.0 mM/L. Abolition rumen fluids from sheep treated with butyric acid activated 14 of the 19 receptors tested and contained 61.1 mM nondissociated VFA/L, of which 38.7 mM/L was nondissociated butyric acid. Preinfusion rumen fluids whose pH values were adjusted to that of abolition rumen fluids with HCl contained nondissociated VFA levels ranging from 16.3 mM/L (acetic acid-treated sheep) to 20.6 mM/L (butyric acid-treated sheep) and elicited responses in 4 of 30 receptors tested. Preinfusion rumen fluids whose pH values were adjusted to the pH value of abolition rumen fluid with acetic acid contained 29.5 mM nondissociated VFA/L and excited 7 of 13 tested receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

奶牛瘤胃pH不同测定方法的比较研究

本试验旨在研究奶牛瘤胃pH不同测定方法的实际效果。选用4头健康且装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的中国黑白花荷斯坦奶牛,对传统便携式pH计(MANpH)和连续pH记录无线装置(LRCpH)2种不同瘤胃内容物pH检测效果进行了比较研究。结果表明,MANpH和LRCpH 2种方法测定的瘤胃内容物pH差异不显著(P>0.05),瘤胃内容物pH 24 h变化亦无显著性差异(P>0.05)。提示,LRCpH无线装置不仅可准确测定瘤胃内容物pH,且能实时连续监测奶牛采食后瘤胃内pH的动态变化。     

The composition of rumen fluid of cattle collected from fistulas using ultrasound]

Concentrations of rumen fluid characteristics were compared between rumen fluid which was taken by standardized conditions via stomach tube and via rumen fistula respectively depending on time after feeding (2.5 or 9 hours ppr.). The results were as follows: Differences (%) of the characteristics of rumen fluid taken via stomach tube to that by rumen fistula: [table: see text] Other investigations showed that the admixture of saliva to rumen fluid resulted in a degradation of the concentrations especially of VFA. The pH was not appreciable changed. The consequences for veterinary practitioners are discussed.