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We measured the length and width of ruminal papillae from six sites in rumens of farmed and wild red (Cervus elaphus) and wild fallow (Cervus dama) deer. A multivariate (principal components) analysis was used to explore papillary response to habitat. Three axes of papillary variation were defined: overall size, shape, and site (anatomical location within the rumen). These axes responded differently according to age, sex, diet, and species. Overall papillary size increased with age in wild but not in farmed stock, was significantly affected by sex, but showed no interspecies difference. Papillary shape was not influenced by age, sex, or diet but was influenced by species. Site-specific development was influenced by diet and species but not by age or sex. These results corroborate previous descriptive work and offer a technique for quantitative study of the interaction between wild ruminants and their dietary environment.

By the aid of corrosion-cast, 15 bovine fetuses were examined by scanning electron microscopy and histological observation. Morphogenesis of ruminal microvasculature was preceded by that of the ruminal epithelial layer. It was suggested that the arrangement of ruminal papillae might be decided by the structure of ruminal microvasculature. Key words: Morphogenesis, rumen, blood vessel, cattle