Cholinergic reactivity of the bovine fetal ruminal wall in vitro

Strips of rumen wall from bovine fetuses were incubated in an organ bath with acetylcholine only (0.16 to 5.12 g/ml) or in the presence of neostigmine (0.20 g/ml) or atropine (0.05g/ml). The highest reactivity was observed in the period of 4.0–5.9 months of fetal age. This reactivity could be associated with the starting point of rumen papillary development.