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We assessed the effects of a long and severe period of underfeeding, followed by a rapid refeeding with a high-concentrate diet, on weight, protein mass, and cellularity of the splanchnic organs in adult ewes. Twenty-four ewes, allocated to four groups of six, were fed a forage diet (50% regrowth of natural grassland hay and 50% wheat straw) either at maintenance (groups M and MO) or at 40% maintenance (groups U and UO) for 78 d. Groups M and U were then slaughtered, and groups MO and UO were subsequently overfed a high-concentrate diet (52% hay, 20% barley, 16% rapeseed meal, 4% fish meal, and 8% Megalac) at 236% maintenance for 26 d before being slaughtered. During the experiment, feed was adjusted to maintain feed supply at a constant percentage of animal requirements. After slaughter, fresh weight, dry weight, and protein mass of the reticulorumen, omasum, abomasum, small intestine, large intestine, and liver were measured. Cellularity was assessed from nucleic acids and protein contents for both ruminal mucosa and muscular-serosa layers, jejunum, and liver. The concentrations of ubiquitin and cathepsin D mRNA were measured in ruminal mucosa and muscular-serosa layers and in jejunum. Underfeeding decreased protein mass of splanchnic organs, especially in liver (-29%) and reticulorumen (-39%). Refeeding previously underfed animals increased protein mass of liver (+102%) and small intestine (+59%). No carry-over effect of the previous level of intake (UO vs. MO) was observed on the protein mass of splanchnic tissues after 26 d of refeeding. Variations in liver mass were mainly due to hypertrophy, as determined by the protein:DNA ratio, whereas variations in small intestinal mass were mainly due to hyperplasia, as determined by the amount of DNA. By contrast, changes in rumen mass associated with increasing ME intake seemed to be related to hypertrophy in the muscular-serosal component and hyperplasia in the epithelial component. The concentrations of ubiquitin and cathepsin D mRNA in the rumen and jejunum were not modified by feeding level, demonstrating that the expression of these genes for proteolytic enzymes was unchanged under these conditions.

In ruminants the forestomachs (reticulum, rumen and omasum) represent the main site of Mg absorption. Readily fermentable carbohydrates enhance Mg availability for ruminants in vivo. The beneficial effect of carbohydrate addition on Mg absorption occurs preintestinally and is associated with changes in the rumen fluid (short chain fatty acids, SCFA, luminal pH, carbon dioxide, NH3, lactate, osmolarity). SCFA and HCO3-/CO2 increase Mg efflux from the isolated reticulorumen in vivo and stimulate 28Mg flux from mucosal to serosal across rumen epithelium in vitro. The stimulatory effect of SCFA on Mg absorption differs between acids, being a function of SCFA absorption and possibly SCFA metabolism. The stimulatory effect of HCO3-/CO2 is mediated by carbonic anhydrase activity. Experimental data suggest that the availability of protons inside the cell might be involved in the stimulation of Mg absorption. The contribution of Mg/H exchange to Mg2+ uptake across the apical membrane of rumen epithelium is discussed in comparison with other possible ways of stimulation (Mg/Na exchange, Mg/anion cotransport, electrogenic and metabolic effects of SCFA). It remains to be shown that Mg2+ uptake into rumen epithelium is directly linked to an efflux of protons. However, an apical Mg/H exchange (in contrast to other suggested Mg transporters) would explain a variety of in vivo and in vitro observations on ruminal Mg absorption.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous paracentesis for fluid collection from the first gastric compartment of healthy llamas and to describe characteristics of that fluid.Prospective study.10 healthy adult llamas.Physical examinations were performed prior to sample collection and for 14 days afterwards. A CBC was performed prior to sample collection and 5 days later. A 16-gauge, 7.5-cm stainless steel needle, positioned approximately 20 cm caudal to the costochondral junction of the last rib, was pointed in a dorsocraniomedial direction and pushed through the abdominal wall into the lumen of the first gastric compartment. Fluid was aspirated and analyzed immediately for color, odor, consistency, pH, methylene blue reduction (MBR) time, protozoa, and bacteria.Fluid samples were obtained from 9 of 10 llamas. Mean volume was 4.1 ml, mean pH was 6.67, and mean MBR time was 173 seconds. Odor was slightly acidic, color was light brown-green to light yellow-green, and consistency was moderate. Small protozoa with variable iodine staining and gram-negative bacteria were commonly detected. With few exceptions, results of physical examinations and CBC remained within reference ranges.Fluid samples from the first gastric compartment can be successfully obtained by percutaneous paracentesis. Fluid characteristics were similar to those of fluid collected via orogastric tube in llamas and cattle.

Major aspects of forestomach anatomy in llamas and camels are described. The pattern of forestomach motility is a succession of motoric cycles, consisting of A- and B-contraction sequences and a pause. Respective differences between llamas and camels are discussed. Observations on regulation of motility are mentioned. Occurrences and courses of rumination and eructation within the motility cycles are emphasized. Motility of the forestomach achieves a selective retention of feed particles in the forestomach; a long retention time is a prerequisite for an effective microbial digestion, especially of poor quality feed.

Summary The specific motility pattterns of the foresto-mach of ruminants, composed of three structurally distinct compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum), require an elaborate intramural innervation. To demonstrate the complex structure of the enteric nervous system (ENS), whole mount preparations obtained from different sites of the bovine forestomach were submitted to immunohistochemical procedures in which neuronal (protein gene product 9.5, neurofilament 200) and glial (protein S-100, glial fibrillary acid protein) markers were applied. Immunohistochemistry performed on whole mounts allowed a detailed two-dimensional assessment of the architecture of the intramural nerve networks. Generally, the myenteric and submucosal plexus layers were composed of ganglia and interconnecting nerve fiber strands, whereas the mucosal plexus consisted of an aganglionated nerve network. However, the texture of the ENS showed considerable regional differences concerning the ganglionic size, shape and density and the arrangement of nerve fiber strands. The myenteric plexus of the ruminai wall, showing a low ganglionic density and wide polygonal meshes, contrasted with the nerve network within the ruminai pillar which consisted of ropeladder-like nerve fiber strands and parallel orientated ganglia. The highest ganglionic density was observed at the reticular groove, the most prominent ganglia were found within the omasal wall. Branches of the vagal nerve frequently ramified within the myenteric plexus layers. The submucosal plexus of the rumen was divided into an external and internal layer; the reticular submucosal plexus followed the cristae and cellulae reticuli, the omasal submucosal (sub- laminar) plexus showed intra- and parafascicular ganglia apart from ganglia located at the junctions of the nerve network. The mucosal plexus of the rumen consisted of thin nerve fascicles ramifying between the ruminai papillae, and reticular mucosal nerve fibers passed throughout the base of the cellulae reticuli. The highly specialised nerve network of the intralaminar omasal plexus showed radial and transverse trajectories reflecting the spatial arrangement of the intralaminar musculature. The demonstrated structural complexity of the ENS reflects the functional complexity of the ruminant forestomach and indicates the relatively high degree of autonomy in coordinating the different motility patterns required for the processing of the ingesta.

Dietary character of ruminants in the north is principally different between "nonselective" (cattle, sheep) and "selective" (reindeer, moose) species. Due to the developed polyfunctioning, forestomach in ruminants, primarily rumen and reticulum, are involved in the homeostasis formation in enteral and interior mediums, nutrients deposition and recirculation. That provides efficiency in utilization of deficient in nutrients forage and body reserves of wild ruminants during the winter. The original functional organization of absorption processes and nutrients recirculation across the multilayer epithelium of forestomach also promotes realization of the two levels metabolism during the year and adaptation of wild ruminants to season dynamics of nutrition.

A 9-year-old llama examined because of hind limb paresis was found to have parelaphostrongylosis. Despite treatment with ivermectin, fenbendazole, cimetidine, and ceftiofur, the llama developed gastrointestinal ulceration and pulmonary aspergillosis and was euthanatized. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is a parasite of white-tailed deer, but ruminants can serve as aberrant or dead-end hosts after accidentally ingesting snails or slugs carrying third-stage larvae of the parasite. Gastrointestinal ulceration and pulmonary aspergillosis can develop secondarily in llamas with chronic disease. Treatment of gastrointestinal ulceration in llamas is difficult, because efficacy of commonly used antiulcer drugs in llamas has not been established.

A total of 74 embryos and fetuses were used in a comparative analysis of the epithelium of the non-glandular stomach compartments of merino sheep during development. The mechanical protection showed by the tegumentary epithelium in the superficial layers of the rumen, reticulum and omasum is supported by a buffer system of neutral mucopolysaccharides secreted by the deeper strata. Neutral mucopolysaccharides first appeared in epithelial cells at 46 days of fetal life. Acid mucopolysaccharides, mucins, and mucoid compounds were not detected. Growth curves and formulas were constructed for the epithelial layers.

The purification and some molecular properties of six lysozymes from the gills of different mytilids and vesicomyids are described: they belong to the previously described Invertebrate lysozyme family. The predominance of the bacterial nutrition in these organisms seems to necessitate the presence of a lysozyme as in the case of the ruminant digestion model.

Forestomach acidosis was diagnosed in 2 llamas and 4 alpacas. All were young, group-housed, sexually intact males. Clinical signs included forestomach atony, lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and tachycardia. Forestomach distention was observed in only 1 llama. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included low forestomach fluid pH, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Although camelids differ from domestic ruminants in typical management practices and behavioral, anatomic, and physiologic characteristics, they are, nonetheless, susceptible to forestomach acidosis. Gastric fluid analysis was essential for an accurate diagnosis. Four of 6 camelids recovered after PO and IV treatment with alkalinizing agents and fluids, antibiotics, and thiamine.

The evolution of a new digestive enzyme, stomach lysozyme, from an antibacterial host defense enzyme provides a link between molecular evolution and organismal evolution. Lysozymes have been recruited at least three times (twice from a conventional lysozyme c and once from a calcium-binding lysozyme c) in vertebrates for functioning in the stomach. The recruitment of lysozyme for its new biological function involved many molecular changes, beyond those required to adapt the protein to function in the stomach. The evolution of the stomach lysozyme gene has been extensively studied in ruminant artiodactyls. In ruminants, the lysozyme c gene has duplicated to yield a family of about ten genes. These duplications allowed: (1) specialization of gene function and (2) increased levels of expression. The ruminant stomach lysozyme genes have evolved in an episodic fashion - there was a period of rapid adaptive sequence evolution, driven by positive selection in the early ruminant, that was followed by an increase in purifying selection upon the well-adapted stomach lysozyme sequence among modern species. Recombination of small portions (exons) of the genes between members of the lysozyme gene family may have aided in adaptive evolution. Evolution to a stomach lysozyme is not irreversible; at least one member of the ruminant stomach lysozyme gene family appears to have reverted to a more ancestral function, yet retains hallmarks of its history as a stomach lysozyme.

This short review deals with some basic aspects concerning the physiology of the ruminant forestomachs and the abomasum. Following the discussion of the motoric activities, the major aspects of microbial carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism within the reticulorumen are treated. Thereafter, some functions of the abomasum are presented in some more detail. These include the composition of abomasal contents, the mechanisms and regulation of hypochloric acid and enzyme secretion, and the mechanisms responsible for protection of the mucosa against digestion by gastric secretions.

Concentrations of macrominerals; Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, and Cl were measured in different sections of the alimentary tract of five roe deer, Capreolus capreolus, kept in captivity and fed a diet of grass pellets and oats. By means of the non-absorbed marker-slaughter technique (using 51CrEDTA as marker), sites of secretion and absorption of minerals in the alimentary tract were determined. Large amounts of P, Na and K were secreted into the rumen, whereas Cl was secreted into the abomasum. The larger amounts of these minerals were absorbed from the distal small intestine and caecum/proximal colon. In the coiled colon, small quantities of Na, K and Cl were absorbed which is essential for the maintenance of mineral balance. Emphasis is put on the role of the large hindgut in concentrate selectors both with respect to fementation and conservation of minerals and other nutrients.

Rumination has been reported to be a relatively rare disorder of eating during infancy. Over the past decade, there appears to be a renewed interest in and recognition of adult rumination. Although some authors believe adult rumination is benign, others have begun to link it with both eating disorders and depressive symptoms. This paper presents two adult cases whose rumination was associated with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. More identification and study of adult rumination is needed to clarify its course and medical significance.

The effects of new hypothalamic peptides, PACAP-27 and PACAP-38, and secretin and VIP on the interdigestive pancreatic secretion and duodenal myoelectric activity during the asecretory phase of the pancreatic interdigestive cycle, compared with the milk ingestion phase, were examined in five calves. Peptides were infused for 5 min into the external jugular vein (0, 3, 10, 30 and 100 pmol/kg body wt during the asecretory phase of the pancreatic interdigestive cycle, and the pancreatic secretory response was compared with that obtained during milk ingestion. Intravenous infusion of PACAP-27 caused dose-related stimulation of pancreatic juice flow and bicarbonate and protein output; this effect was identical to infusion of secretin. The effect of PACAP-38 was less pronounced, and that of VIP was the weakest. Pancreatic juice volume and bicarbonate responses during milk ingestion were similar to responses obtained with the highest doses of hypothalamic peptides and secretin, whereas postprandial protein secretion was much greater than the secretion stimulated with peptides. It was concluded that PACAP from the VIP/secretin family may stimulate pancreatic exocrine secretion in conscious calves and a part of the pancreatic response to food intake can be mediated by PACAP.

Previous studies indicated large, thin-walled, milk-filled rumens in lethal grey and white Karakul lambs. There was also a significant decrease in the number and size of the myenteric plexuses and the number of ganglion cells in these lambs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the myenteric ganglia of the affected lambs are functional, by testing for the presence of vaso-active intestinal peptide, somatostatin, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, met-enkephalin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in the myenteric ganglia and nerve fibres in the forestomach and abomasum of grey, white and black Karakul lambs. Four 1-cm2 samples were taken from analogous areas of the wall of the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum of five grey, five white and five black newborn Karakul lambs. They were pinned to wax squares, fixed for 18 h in Zamboni's fixative, dehydrated and rehydrated through graded alcohols and stored in phosphate-buffered saline. The outer longitudinal muscle layer of each sample of the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum was separated from the rest of the tissue layers, stained for each of the seven neuropeptides by employment of the immunofluorescence technique, and studied with a Leitz Orthoplan fluorescent microscope. All the material studied tested positive for all the neuropeptides. It is concluded that all the peptides tested for were present in all the lambs and that the myenteric ganglia are therefore functional in the lethal lambs.

One hundred forty four ovine embryos and feti were used in an investigation to determine mathematical models describing the histomorphometric growth of tissues and compartments of the ruminant stomach. The results indicate that during prenatal life the diameter of the gastric chambers increase more slowly than the length. The tissue layers of the gastric walls, particularly the muscular tunic of all compartments demonstrated a uniform tendency toward more rapid development than the compartment walls proper.

Three friesian bulls (Genotype 31) were fitted with re-entrant cannulas at the duodenum to investigate the influence of a flavomycin supplement of the digestion in the forestomachs and the other parts of the digestive tract. The supplement of flavomycin increased the total digestibility of the organic matter. The digestibility of starch and sugar was between 97% and 98%. The balance of the nutrients in the digestive tract shows, that by flavomycin supplementation the degradation of organic matter and crude protein in the fore stomach was decreased and the amount of the organic matter and crude protein in the gut was increased. The balance of the amino acids in the gut showed that after flavomycin ca. 30 g more amino acids were found in the gut. The synthesis of bacterial protein in the forestomachs was, after flavomycin application, slightly reduced as was the degradation rate of the feed protein.

A Tigon fistula was surgically implanted into the third compartment of the stomach of 5 llamas to allow measurement of gastric pH. The llamas were allotted into 2 groups and given flunixin meglumine or cimetidine hydrochloride for 3 days. After 4 days without treatment, the drugs given to each group were reversed. Measurements of gastric pH were taken every 30 minutes for 6 hours, using an automated pH meter. The pH measurements after drug administration were compared with measurements obtained during a pretreatment control period. Gastric pH during pretreatment control periods had a mean of 1.43 +/- 0.063 (mean +/- SE). The use of flunixin did not significantly decrease gastric pH, compared with pretreatment controls. Gastric pH was significantly higher within the first 30 minutes after administering cimetidine, compared with pretreatment controls, but this difference disappeared at all later times.

Homozygous grey Karakul lambs are born with a lethal genetic factor responsible for death at weaning age. When put on a high roughage diet under field conditions they develop distended, thin-walled rumens and sand impacted abomasa. Homozygous white Karakul lambs have a similar factor but survive for a longer period. Black Karakul lambs are not affected. The present study was undertaken to compare by image analysis the number and size of the myenteric ganglia, and the number of myenteric neurones in the walls of the fore-stomach and abomasum of 24-h-old grey, white and black Karakul lambs. One square centimetre samples were taken from analogous areas of the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum of 38 embalmed Karakul lambs. Haematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections of each sample were studied with a Vids 2 Image Analyzer. One way analysis of variance indicated a significant difference between the groups regarding the number and size of the myenteric ganglia and in the number of myenteric neurones in the reticulum, rumen and abomasum. The number and size of the ganglia and the number of neurones was greatest in the black lambs and decreased progressively in the white and grey lambs. The omasum was not affected. It is suggested that the paucity of myenteric ganglia and neurones in the regions examined is instrumental in causing the lethal condition described above.

To investigate a possible animal reservoir of Helicobacter pylori, 15 pigs, 15 rabbits and 5 cows slaughtered for consumption were studied. Raised serum IgG levels were found in 93% of the pigs and 87% of the rabbits, but levels were normal in the cattle. In the controlled testings three of 22 humans had elevated IgG to H pylori and in all three H pylori was detected by the use of monoclonal antibody. Helicobacter pylori were identified in gastric brushings by a monoclonal antibody in 8 out of 10 pigs and 7 out of 10 rabbits. This study suggests an animal reservoir of Helicobacter pylori which may be of importance in human infection.

1. The metabolism of albendazole (ABZ), albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2) by ruminal, abomasal and ileal fluids of sheep and cattle was investigated under anaerobic conditions in vitro. 2. None of the compounds was metabolically changed by incubation with abomasal fluids of sheep and cattle. 3. ABZ and ABZSO were extensively metabolized by sheep and cattle ruminal and ileal fluids. ABZSO2 was unaffected by incubation with these gastrointestinal fluids. 4. The rate of ABZ oxidation into ABZSO was greater for cattle ruminal and ileal fluids than for sheep fluids. 5. ABZSO was reduced back to ABZ by ruminal and ileal fluids of both species. This reducing activity was significantly higher for both ruminal and ileal fluids of sheep compared with those of cattle.

To determine the effect of dry (D); reconstituted and ensiled (R); reconstituted and acid-treated (A); and urea-treated, high-moisture (U) sorghum grain on starch digestibility, four Angus x Hereford steers (means BW = 350 kg) with duodenal and ileal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Diets consisting of 69% ground sorghum grain were fed every 2 h in equal portions (8.2 kg/d). Diets averaged 46.5% starch and 12% CP, except for U, which averaged 14% CP due to urea treatment. Ytterbium attached to sorghum was used as a particulate marker. Duodenal, ileal, and fecal samples were taken 1 h postfeeding after a 14-d adaption to diets. Whole samples were analyzed. Preduodenal starch digestion (%) was 89, 83, 76, and 70, and starch digestion over the total tract was 99, 97, 95 and 91 for R, U, A, and D, respectively. Starch digestion proximal to each site (duodenum and ileum) was enhanced (P less than .05) by R and U compared with D. Within the small intestine, there was a linear relationship (P less than .003) between starch digestion and daily starch supply. However, digestibility of starch in the small intestine (mean = 45%) was not different among diets. Apparent digestibility of starch in the large intestine was not significantly different from digestibility in the small intestine. Urea-treated sorghum grain was equivalent to reconstituted, ensiled sorghum in digestion characteristics and was superior to dry sorghum.

Three trials were conducted to assess effects of metabolizable protein and NE deficiencies on changes in body composition, organ mass and metabolism, and animal growth performance during restriction and realimentation. Growth of lambs was restricted to achieve no change in BW for periods of 5 to 6 wk by limiting intake of metabolizable protein or NE. In Trial 1, changes in body composition and visceral organ mass and metabolism during restriction were compared to unrestricted controls using 36 lambs. Trial 2 was designed to investigate changes in growth, body composition, and visceral organs during restriction and realimentation periods using 44 lambs. Trial 3 was limited to evaluation of differences in performance and carcass characteristics of previously restricted and unrestricted ram lambs (15 total). Results of Trial 1 indicated that liver weights were decreased with nutrient restrictions. Body protein mass was conserved in energy-restricted (ER) lambs and lost in protein-restricted (PR) lambs. Fat was mobilized at similar rates for PR and ER lambs. In Trial 2, liver and intestinal weights, as well as in vitro oxygen consumption by liver slices, were decreased with nutrient restrictions. The reductions persisted after 2 wk of realimentation, yet no compensatory growth was observed. Feed intakes were increased gradually during the first 2 wk of realimentation. Composition of gain during the realimentation period was similar to that of unrestricted lambs. In Trial 3, neither gain nor feed efficiency during realimentation was enhanced as a result of previous nutrient deficiencies. Absence of compensatory growth in Trial 3 is possibly attributable to differences in gastrointestinal fill. Lambs subjected to short-term PR and ER seem to have similar recuperative capacity.

This article has attempted to give the reader an outline of the principles involved in preruminant calf nutrition together with a practical understanding of milk replacers and their use for raising calves. While the nutrient requirements of the preruminant calf are reasonably well understood, the complex interactions occurring when attempting to replace milk proteins with high levels of nonmilk proteins are clearly not well understood. Further, the management and environmental interactions on nutrition are profound and far from elucidated.

Net absorption of macrominerals by portal-drained viscera of cattle was measured in two experiments. In Experiment 1, net portal-drained visceral and liver flux of Na, K, Ca, P, and Mg were measured in four lactating Holstein cows fed a 60:40 corn silage:concentrate diet ad libitum and milked at 12-h intervals. Twelve measurements of net flux (venous-arterial concentration difference x blood plasma flow) were obtained hourly at 4 and 8 wk postpartum. Intake of DM and milk yield averaged 15.6 and 32.2 kg/d, respectively. Excluding Na, net absorption of these macrominerals was measurable across portal-drained viscera. Flux of Na was negative at wk 4 postpartum (net removal from blood) and positive at wk 8 (net absorption into blood). Excluding Mg, differences in venous-arterial concentrations for macrominerals across the liver were not different from zero. In Experiment 2, net portal-drained visceral flux of Na, K, Ca, P, and Mg was partitioned into stomach and poststomach sections in two Hereford steers. Poststomach tissues accounted for essentially all such absorption of K, Ca, and P and, on a net basis, removed Na and Mg. Stomach tissues absorbed Mg and small amounts of K, Ca, and P. Net stomach flux of Na was positive, denoting net absorption, but highly variable. Net portal-drained visceral absorption of K increased with intake in both experiments. Net portal-drained visceral absorption of P was greater than total intake in both experiments, reflecting recycling of P via saliva and other digestive secretions.

In order to carry out this study, 62 embryos and fetuses of Friesian cows were used, and every stomach was dissected and subjected to the usual laboratory procedures. After obtaining each preparation all the histological and metrical changes that took place in the wall of the viscus during its development are described. The compartments are histologically differentiated into three stages: in the first one there is no compartment differentiation: in the second one, the rumino-reticulum, omasum and abomasum have differentiated; and in the third one every compartment is differentiated. In group 16, (78 days of gestation), a decrease in thickness of the muscular layer of all compartments, parallel to the histological differentiation has been observed.

Surgery of the forestomach compartments is performed in bovine practices for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including traumatic reticuloperitonitis, perireticular abscess, vagal indigestion, and grain overload. Through a left flank laparotomy, the cranial abdomen is first explored by palpation for adhesions or masses. A rumenotomy allows thorough examination of the lumen of the rumen and reticulum. Surgical correction of disease may require emptying of the rumen, removal of a foreign body, or drainage of an abscess into the reticulum. With some abscesses, single aspiration and lavage of the abscess capsule or drainage of the abscess through the body wall, following a ventral celiotomy, is required. If adhesions associated with disease do not affect the innervation of the forestomach, the prognosis for return to functional status within the herd is good. Adhesions involving the medial wall of the reticulum or pericardial and myocardial disease due to extensions of traumatic reticuloperitonitis have a very poor prognosis, and thus slaughter should be considered in affected cases.

This study gives a comprehensive survey on 20 cows with vagus indigestion due to cranial functional stenosis (failure of omasal transport). The most important clinical findings were distension of the entire lateral abdominal wall on the left side and partially of the right ventral area as well, severely distended rumen, reduced or missing appetite and reduced defaecation. Nine animals had bradycardia. The dominant laboratory findings were increased concentrations of total protein and fibrinogen. Sixteen cows were slaughtered at the clinic. Six of these had signs of peritonitis in the cranial part of the abdomen, which had started from foreign body peritonitis. Six cows had abscesses between reticulum and liver, also starting from a foreign body, one cow had one isolated abscess in the liver and one cow severe fatty degeneration of the liver. In 2 cows no pathological changes could be found on the occasion of slaughter.

The clinical features and changes in blood and rumen fluid, and the results of therapy are described in 10 cows suffering from acute functional pyloric stenosis. The general condition of the cows was moderately to severely disturbed. The abdomen of most of them was distended on one or both sides and the rumen was excessively full. Defecation was reduced or absent. In most of them there was moderate or severe abomasal reflux-syndrome. Exploratory laparotomy or slaughter revealed a grossly distended abomasum which was filled with ingesta but not displaced. The omasum, reticulum and rumen of most of the cows were dilated secondarily and filled with ingesta. Six of the cows were treated by the administration of a solution of sodium chloride, glucose and potassium chloride intravenously, and metoclopramide intramuscularly. Five cows recovered within a short time, general condition, appetite and defecation were again normal and the abomasal and ruminal function returned within three days.

Feeding dairy calves for 13 weeks on concentrate diets differing in nitrogen degradability (pea vs soya bean meal) did not affect the fresh weight of digestive tissues and digesta at a slaughter age of 20 wk.

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Effects of Mo and S on the digestion of dietary DM, ash, OM, NDF, CP, and nonprotein OM were evaluated using four Holstein steers, each with cannulas in the rumen, proximal duodenum (PD), and terminal ileum (TI). Steers were continuously fed diets with high (13.3 mg/kg DM) and low (1.8 mg/kg DM) Mo (HM and LM, respectively) and high (3.9 g/kg DM) and low (1.3 g/kg DM) S (HS and LS, respectively) as combinations LMLS, LMHS, HMLS, and HMHS in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Daily flows of dietary components at the PD and TI and as fecal excretion were estimated using dysprosium as an inert marker. With HM diets, the balance between absorption and endogenous input in the stomach was such that there was a lower (P less than .10) net (intake minus duodenal flow) output of mineral from the stomach. A lower (P less than .10) net output of diaminopimelic acid as an indicator of bacterial CP and DM was associated with a lower (P less than .10) net output of CP from the stomach of steers fed HM diets. This lower net output of CP from the stomach, coupled with no effect (P greater than .10) of Mo on CP in the small intestine, indicated that less CP was absorbed from the small intestine. Supplemental Mo in association with S appeared to prevent (P less than .10) an apparent higher net output of methionine from the stomach when supplemental S alone was in the diet. Effects of supplemental S were minor compared with those of supplemental Mo. Dietary Mo had negative effects on ash as an indicator of mineral balance in the stomach of steers and on the output of CP as bacterial CP and of DM of bacterial origin from the stomach of steers.

Ten abomasally cannulated crossbred wether lambs (avg wt, 33 kg) were used in a replicated 5 x 5 latin square design to determine the site and extent of apparent absorption of Mg when fed different sources of Mg. Lambs were fed twice daily 220 g of chopped mixed grass hay and 180 g of a corn-based supplement (control; .13% mg, DM basis), or the control diet supplemented with Mg (.26% Mg, DM basis) from MgO, magnesium citrate (MgC), smectite-vermiculite (Mg-Mica) or MgOH. Lambs were maintained in metabolism stalls during each of the five experimental periods. Each period consisted of a 7-d dietary adjustment followed by a 3-d collection of abomasal samples, feces and urine. Abomasal contents were sampled four times daily during the 3-d collection period. The diet contained .5% chromium oxide as a digestion marker. Apparent absorption of Mg was .17, .55, .85, .78 and .82 g/d for lambs fed the control, MgO, MgC, Mg-Mica and MgOH diets, respectively. Apparent absorption of Mg (g/d) was similar (P greater than .05) in the lambs fed the supplemented diets and greater (P less than .05) than in those fed the control diet. Preintestinal absorption of Mg was .21, .57, 1.08, .14 and .92 g/d when the control, MgO, MgC, Mg-Mica and MgOH diets were fed. Lambs fed the control and Mg-Mica diets absorbed similar (P greater than .05) quantities of Mg in the preintestinal region and less (P less than .05) than lambs fed the MgO, MgC and MgOH diets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

1. In Expt 1, fractional synthesis rates (FSR) of tissue protein were measured along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of six 1-week-old, milk-fed lambs by using a large amount of L-[3,4(n)-3H]valine.2. In Expt 2, eighteen lambs were used to determine the fractional growth rate (FGR) of gastrointestinal tissue protein.3. FSRMinimum(Min) and FSRMaximum(Max) were calculated assuming plasma or tissue homogenate free valine specific radioactivity was representative of the valine precursor pool for protein synthesis. There were no significant differences between FSR(Min) and FSR(Max) in any gastrointestinal tissue of lambs used in Expt 1 (P > 0.05). FSR gradually and significantly (P > 0.05) increased from the oesophagus (FSR(Max)26.5%/d). reticulo-rumen (30.1%/d), omasum (41.0%/d) and abomasum (56.1%/d) to small intestine (87.5%/d), and then declined significantly (P < 0.05) towards the caecum (45.2%/d) and the colon (38.4%/d). No significant differences were observed between FSR in the duodenum, jejunum or ileum (P > 0.05).4. FGR ranged from 2,6%/d in the oesophagus to 8,7%/d in the omasum. The ratio, FGR:FSR, which reflected the efficiency of protein deposition, was at a maximum in the stomachs and caecum and at a minimum in the small intestine.5. The relative contribution of the oesophagus, stomachs, small intestine and large intestine to GIT protein synthesis was 1, 13, 76 and 10% respectively. The GIT accounted for approximately 11.5% of whole-body protein synthesis.

1. Intra-arterial infusions of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were made in anaesthetized lambs in which activity of the reticulo-omasal orifice (ROO) was recorded manometrically and in conscious lambs in which activity of the reticulum, ROO and abomasum were recorded by electromyographic (EMG) techniques. 2. Spontaneous rhythmic opening and closing movements of the ROO occurred in anaesthetized lambs at 3-5 min-1. Infusions of VIP into the left gastric artery at rates of 0.5-3.0 nmol min-1 produced changes in activity of the ROO. Within 120 s of commencement of the infusions there was an increase in frequency and magnitude of the movements of the ROO for up to 120 s. This was followed with infusion of VIP at the lower levels (0.5-1.0 nmol min-1), by a marked reduction and sometimes complete loss of the rhythmic movements. There was always complete cessation of activity of the ROO with infusion of VIP at 1.5-3.0 nmol min-1. 3. In conscious lambs the frequency of the diphasic reticular EMG bursts which recur at intervals of ca. 1 min was not affected by infusions of VIP at 3.0 nmol min-1 for 10 min. 4. Between each diphasic reticular EMG burst in the conscious lamb there was normally phasic activity of the ROO consisting of EMG bursts of long (ca. 4 s) and short (ca. 1 s) duration. Within 90 s of commencement of infusion of VIP at 3.0 nmol min-1 short-burst EMG activity disappeared with the remaining long bursts being of greater duration (5.4 +/- 1.2 s) than before infusion. After a series of four to fifteen such more prolonged long bursts there was quiescence of the EMG of the ROO. After infusion of VIP EMG activity recommenced first as a series of eight to fourteen long bursts which was followed by the reappearance also of short-burst activity. Infusions of VIP at 8-10 nmol min-1 produced a more prompt cessation of EMG activity of the ROO. Of other peptides which were infused only PHI (a peptide with N-terminal histidine and C-terminal isoleucine amide) produced cessation of the EMG activity of the ROO. However, on a molar basis VIP was 2-3 times more potent than PHI in causing cessation of activity of the ROO. 5. Infusion of VIP at 3.0 nmol min-1 produced a cessation or diminution of EMG activity of the body, antrum and pylorus of the abomasum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cows suffering from traumatic gastritis were classified into 3 groups, subacute local, chronic and acute diffuse type. Diagnostic value of total and differential leukocyte counts were evaluated. Decrease of basophil and monocyte count were common findings in all types. In acute diffuse types, decrease of eosinophil count and left shift in neutrophils or degenerative left shift were observed, and decrease of eosinophil count was observed in subacute local types. Leukocytosis and neutrophilia or regenerative left shift were observed in chronic types.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the digestion, absorption, and transport of lipids in ruminant animals. In the simple-stomached animal, the processes of digestion and absorption of dietary fats begin essentially when they reach the small intestine. In the ruminant animal, the situation is very different and the events that occur within the complex polygastric arrangement of the alimentary tract, principally pregastric microbial fermentation of cellulose and other plant polymers not normally hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes, have a profound effect on the chemical and physical nature of the lipids subsequently presented to the small intestine for digestion. Two major processes occur within the rumen, which have an important bearing on the composition and distribution of the lipid components of the digesta and their subsequent metabolism within the intestine. These processes, which are intrinsically bound together, are lipolysis of the dietary lipids and hydrogenation of their unsaturated fatty-acid constituents. These make an immense contribution directly to the lipid metabolism of the host animal after absorption from the rumen and indirectly through their involvement in bacterial and protozoal lipid synthesis.

1. Six closely shorn sheep were given brome grass (Bromus inermis) pellets at the rate of 59 or 98 g dry matter (dm)/h and maintained at ambient temperatures of 2–5° and 22–25° for 35 d. Measurements of digestion, rate of passage of digesta, and nitrogen transformations were made during the last 13 d of temperature exposure.2. Cold exposure at the lower level of intake reduced the apparent digestibility of dm and organic matter (om) approximately 0.055 units. Apparent digestibility of dm and om was further decreased approximately 0.03 units with the higher level of food intake in the cold. Apparent N digestibility was significantly depressed from 0.62 to 0.59–0.60 for sheep exposed to cold at both levels of intake.3. Exposure of sheep to cold resulted in a decrease in the turnover time of the particulate marker, 103Ru, from 19 h to 10.12 h in the rumen, a decrease in rumen volume, and a significant increase in dm and om which escaped digestion in the stomach. Volatile fatty acid and methane production in the rumen were highly correlated with the amount of om digested in the stomach. Methane production in the rumen comprised 0.81 of total production in warm sheep, and 0.68–0.74 of total production in cold-exposed sheep.4. More om and non-ammonia-N were apparently digested in the intestines of sheep exposed to cold than in warm sheep at the same food intake, but the apparent digestibilities in the intestines of dm, om and non-ammonia-N leaving the abomasum did not change significantly between treatments. The retention time of 103Ru in the intestines was 17.18 h in sheep given 59 g dm food/h at both exposure temperatures, but was reduced to 12 h for cold-exposed sheep given 98 g dm/h. Methane production in the postruminal tract was increased at the higher food intake, but there was no difference between warm and cold-exposed sheep at the same food intake.5. The rate of irreversible loss of plasma urea and rumen ammonia was measured by infusion of [15N]urea and [15N]ammonium chloride. Exposure to cold reduced the irreversible loss of plasma urea from 0.85 to 0.75–0.77 g N/g N intake, and the irreversible loss of rumen ammonia from 0.66 to 0.57–0.61 g N/g N intake. The transfer of plasma urea-N to the rumen ammonia pool was significantly greater (9.5 g N/d) in the cold-exposed sheep than the value (7.3 g N/d) in warm sheep.6. The efficiency of microbial synthesis in the rumen was increased in cold-exposed sheep, and was related to the amount of N recycled through the rumen ammonia pool from intraruminal sources. The effect of dilution rate and fermentation patterns on efficiency of microbial synthesis is discussed.

Passage route into stomach compartments of liquid feeds containing a marker was studied by feeding a liquid supplement and molasses from a lick-wheel feeder and by infusing the liquid supplement into the reticulorumen 30 min prior to sampling contents of the reticulorumen and abomasum and 4 h prior to sampling blood for plasma glucose. Recovery from reticulorumen and concentration of marker in abomasal ingesta gave no evidence of rumen bypass, this supported by a gross correlation of .92 between rumen ammonia nitrogen and nonprotein nitrogen intake from liquid feeds. Plasma glucose values were not different. Preinfusion and postinfusion plasma glucose values were similar for abomasal infusion of about 454 g of molasses, 20% crude protein liquid supplement, and for the basal diet. Values were lower for abomasal infusion of the 35% crude protein liquid supplement (Pro-Lix) than for the 20% crude protein liquid supplement. When complete rations containing 11.5, 13.0, and 14.5% crude protein were supplemented with either molasses or a 20% crude protein liquid supplement fed from lick-wheel feeders, intake averaged .53 and .34 kg per animal daily for the respective liquid feeds. There was no effect on milk yield, solids-corrected milk, milk fat content, protein content, solids-not-fat percent, or body weight change. There was an interaction of protein level and liquid feeds in which plasma glucose was increased by liquid feeds in higher but not in lower protein diets.

Growing steers were used in a replicated 3 X 3 Latin square to study the influence of ionophores on mineral metabolism and ruminal urease activity. Treatments consisted of: 1) basal high energy diet; 2) basal plus 33 ppm lasalocid and 3) basal plus 33 ppm monensin. Each period was 33 days and apparent absorption and retention of macrominerals were measured during the last 5 days of each period. Mineral intake during the collection period was not affected by treatment. Both ionophores increased apparent absorption of sodium, magnesium and phosphorus. Retention of magnesium and phosphorus were higher for steers receiving either lasalocid or monensin. Potassium and calcium absorption were not significantly affected by treatment. Serum concentrations of macrominerals were similar for all treatments. Zinc and copper concentrations in serum were higher in animals fed monensin or lasalocid. Steers fed either ionophore had lower concentrations of soluble potassium and calcium in rumen fluid. Both ionophores also decreased ruminal osmolality. Bacterial urease, a nickel-dependent enzyme, was decreased by 28 and 66% in animals that received lasalocid and monensin, respectively. These findings indicate that lasalocid and monensin affect metabolism of certain minerals in ruminants.

Traumatic gastritis was classified into three groups: subacute local, chronic and acute diffuse, and analyses of serum protein, protein fractions and mineral values were conducted. Decrease of the albumin concentration and increases of the α and β globulin concentrations were common findings in all types. In the subacute local type, hyperproteinemia with a slight hypoalbuminemia, a marked increase of β globulin concentration and a slight increase of the γ globulin concentration were observed. The α globulin pattern was obtuse and fast electrophoretic mobility of the β globulin fraction was also found. Severe hypoalbuminemia and a marked increase of the γ globulin concentration with incomplete or complete β-γ bridging were observed in the chronic type. Moderate hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia and hyper inorganic phosphatemia were observed in the acute diffuse type.

1. Fistulated sheep given a concentrate diet were used to study the behaviour of solute ([51Cr]EDTA) and particle ([103Ru]phenanthroline) markers in the stomach under conditions of continuous feeding.2. An injection of a mixed dose of [51Cr]EDTA and [103Ru]phenanthroline was given into the rumen and the time course of marker concentrations in the rumen and the abomasum was recorded. The curves were analysed on the assumption that the stomach of the sheep could be represented as two mixing compartments (reticulo-rumen and abomasum) and a time delay (omasum). This model provided a very good description of the data.3. [103Ru]phenanthroline associated with small particles was retained in the rumen much longer than [51Cr]EDTA. Although exchange of [103Ru]phenanthroline occurred between large and small particle fractions, the results suggested that small particles may have been retained somewhat longer in the rumen than solutes. However, it was clear from the results that the mean retention times for particulate matter in the rumen could not be simply obtained using adsorbable markers.4. Cyclical fluctuations in the concentration of [51Cr]EDTA in the rumen indicated that there were daily variations in net water flux in the rumen.5. The presence of protozoa was associated with much shorter retention times of both solutes and particles in the rumen. Protozoa were also associated with reduced rumen volumes.

1. Expt 1. Forty 200 kg heifers were given wheat strawad lib. plus one of five pelleted supplements, each of which supplied 40 g/nitrogen as urea/d, Treatment A did not supply other sources of N, and other treatments supplied daily 40 g digestible N as casein and formaldehyde-treated casein (HCHO-casein) in the following proportions (w/w): 100:0 (B), 70:30 (C), 30:70 (D), 0:100 (E). After 5 weeks (period 1) all supplements were withdrawn from half (four) of the animals in each treatment group (NS) over a period of 8 weeks (period 2). At the end of period 2. N balances were measured in four animals on each of treatments E and NS.2. In period 1 the mean intake of straw by animals on treatments D and E was higher than the mean intake by animals on treatments A, B and C (3·32v. 2·83 k/d respectively,P< 0·01) and live-weight changes also differed significantly (+ 72 and – 126g/d respectively:P< 0·01). Intakes of straw in period 2 were 3·74 and 3·20 kg/d for animals with and without supplements respectively (P< 0·01) and live-weight changes were +110 and – 157 g/d on the respective treatments (P< 0·01). For animals receiving supplements in period 2, intakes of straw did not differ significantly between supplements; live-weight changes were −14 g/d on treatment A and +141 g/d on treatments B, C, D and E (P< 0·01).3. N balances on treatments E and NS were +11·4 and – 3·3 g/d respectively (P< 0·01), although digestibility of organic matter (OM) was similar on the two treatments.4. Expt 2. Four 185 kg steers with rumen and abomasal cannulas were given wheat strawad lib. plus one each of treatments A, B and E in a randomized block sequence. Dry matter (DM) intakes were 3·44, 3·89 and 4·05 kg/d on treatments A, B and E respectively (P< 0·05). N intakes were 29 and 37 g/d higher on treatments Band E respectively than on treatment A, but abomasal flows of N were only 4 and 14 g/d higher on the respective treatments. The latter value indicates that approximately 0·62 of HCHO-casein was degraded in the rumen. Efficiencies of bacterial protein synthesis were 31, 24 and 26 g bacterial N/kgOM apparently digested in the rumen (P> 0·05) on treatments A, B and E respectively.5. It was concluded that efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis in the rumen was not limited by the supply of peptides and amino acids, and that protein supplements do not consistently stimulate intake of low-quality roughages when requirements for rumen degradable N have been met. Higher flows of N to the intestines when HCHO-casein, and to a lesser extent casein, were given were associated with a shift from negative to positive live-weight changes. These live-weight changes were not significantly correlated with DM intakes from which it appears that effects of casein supplements on live weight may have been attributable to effects of absorbed amino acids on efficiency of tissue protein synthesis either directly or through gluconeo genesis.