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A note on effect of starvation on the bovine alimentary tract and its contents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. J. Bass
Affiliation:
Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
D. M. Duganzich
Affiliation:
Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Abstract

Fifty-one cattle were allocated into five groups varying in time of starvation (0, 17, 24, 41 and 48 h). Most of the loss in fasted live weight, stomach and intestinal contents occurred within 24 h. Weights of water, dry matter and potassium present in the stomach showed a significant decrease in the first 24 h, although the percentage of water in the stomach contents rose slowly over a 48-h period. It is suggested that cattle from pasture need be starved for no more than 24 h to minimize the effect of gut fill for body composition studies.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1980

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References

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