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Endoscopic observation of the reticulo-omasal orifice of cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

B. W. McBride
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
L. P. Milligan
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
B. V. Turner
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada

Extract

A variety of factors influence the voluntary intake of ruminants including reticulo-rumen fill or distension (Campling & Balch, 1961; Welch, 1967; Grovum, 1979) and rate of passage of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract (Bines & Davey, 1970). The exit point of the reticulo-rumen, the reticulo-omasal orifice, potentially serves as a control site in regulation of particle movement from the rumen.

However, little definitive information on the functional behaviour of this anatomical location is available. Therefore, a fibre-optic endoscopic technique was designed to allow visual observation of the reticulo-omasal orifice in conscious, fed cattle.

America, New Hyde Park, NY) and a 35 mm camera (Olympus 0M-2N with 1–9 focusing screen) was attached. Photographs were taken at a shutter speed of 1/30 or 1/60 sec. The film used was Kodak (ASA 160) tungsten balanced slide film. Prints were generated from slides using the Cibachrome P30 process. An Olympus CLK-3 cold light source, having a colour temperature of 3200 °K, provided the illumination for projection through the endoscope. Opening and closing of the reticuloomasal orifice were photographed using this procedure.

Type
Short Note
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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References

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