Studies on the oesophageal groove reflex in sheep and on the potential use of the groove to prevent the fermentation of food in the rumen

1. Fluids were given by mouth in various ways to young sheep. The extent to which closure of the oesophageal groove operated to direct the fluid to the abomasum was assessed by radiography.2. Salt solutions and milk given as a drench did not produce complete closure of the groove. However, when the animals were accustomed to sucking from a teat before weaning, any liquid suspension and also water, sucked from a bottle, passed entirely to the abomasum even in 12-month-old sheep.3. This technique may be useful when it is desirable to cause protein or other nutrients to by-pass fermentation in the rumen.