Instrument for Collection and Transfer of Ruminal Fluid and for Administration of Water Soluble Drugs in Adult Cattle

Abstract

An instrument for collection and transfer of ruminal fluid that is also suitable for administration of water soluble drugs for use in adult is described. The device consists of an oro-ruminal probe, a suction pump, and a funnel. According to the results obtained by testing the device in 30 cows with rumen fistulas and 106 healthy cows, it is concluded that the instrument is suitable for collection of representative samples of ruminal fluid for diagnostic purposes and also for collection of larger volumes of ruminal fluid for transfer. It is also concluded that the best times for obtaining larger volumes of ruminal fluid are before morning feeding and 3-4 h after food intake.