The electroencephalogram of goats during somnolence and rumination

Abstract

1. 1. The EEG of alert goats is similar to the asynchronous pattern noted in other species. 2. 2. Goats do not sleep like other non-ruminant species. They do exhibit periods of somnolence, however, when the EEG shows a hypersynchronous character similar to that recorded in other species in deep sleep or during anaesthesia. 3. 3. During rumination the EEG is indistinguishable from the pattern recorded during somnolence. 4. 4. The possible connection between somnolence, rumination and the activity of the brain-stem reticular formation is discussed in relationship to anatomical and biochemical differences shown between the Bovidae and other species.