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Mechanical stimulation of rumen fill and alimentary behaviour in sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

R. Baumont ,
C. H. Malbert  and
Y. Ruckebusch
R. Baumont
Affiliation:
Laboratoire de Physiologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, 31076 Toulouse, Cedex, France
C. H. Malbert
Affiliation:
Laboratoire de Physiologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, 31076 Toulouse, Cedex, France
Y. Ruckebusch
Affiliation:
Laboratoire de Physiologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, 31076 Toulouse, Cedex, France
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Abstract

The effects of an increase of rumen fill obtained with polystyrene cubes, and able to stimulate mechanically the rumen wall were investigated on alimentary behaviour and reticulo-rumen motility in sheep. The introduction through a rumen cannula of a volume of polystyrene cubes equal to one-quarter of the ruminal pool size depressed the daily intake of both low-quality cocksfoot hay and good-quality lucerne hay (P < 0·05). Surprisingly, the time spent ruminating was slightly increased and the frequency of contractions during rumination was significantly increased (P < 0·05). In addition, in the sheep fed enterally with a liquid into the rumen, either the mechanical stimulation of the rumen dorsal wall or the introduction of hay (200 g) into the rumen, induced a rumination molility pattern. It is concluded that the intensity of mechanical stimulation of the dorsal sac of the rumen by food particles, which depends upon rumen fill, reduces the time spent eating to increase the duration and intensity of rumination.

Keywords

intakerumen motilityruminationsheep
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 50 , Issue 1 , February 1990 , pp. 123 - 128
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1990

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