Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8501008 | Journal of Dairy Science | 2018 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
A limited amount of research is available related to the rumen microbiota of calves, yet there has been a recent spike of interest in determining the diversity and development of calf rumen microbial populations. To study the microbial populations of a calf's rumen, a sample of the rumen fluid is needed. One way to take a rumen fluid sample from a calf is by fistulating the animal. This method requires surgery and can be very stressful on a young animal that is trying to adapt to a new environment and has a depressed immune system. Another method that can be used instead of fistulation surgery is a rumen pump. This method requires a tube to be inserted into the rumen through the calf's esophagus. Once inside the rumen, fluid can be pumped out and collected in a few minutes. This method is quick, inexpensive, and does not cause significant stress on the animal. This technical note presents the materials and methodology used to convert a drenching system into a rumen pump and its respective utilization in 2 experiments using dairy bull calves.
Keywords
Related Topics
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Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Animal Science and Zoology
Authors
R.N. Klopp, M.J. Oconitrillo, A. Sackett, T.M. Hill, R.L. Schlotterbeck, G.J. Lascano,