The ‘minute rhythm’ incidence in the ovine abomasal antrum and small intestine

Abstract

Summary R omanski, K. W., 2016. The ‘minute rhythm’ incidence in the ovine abomasal antrum and small intestine. Bulg. J. Vet. Med ., 19 , No 3, 200 – 208 . To characterise further the ‘minute rhythm’, six healthy rams were equipped with serosal electrodes sewn onto the abomasal antrum and the small bowel. The experiments were performed before and after feeding. Food was o f fered during phase 2a or 2b of the migrating motility complex. The ‘minute rhythm’ incidence and coordination were assessed during four 5 - minute observ ation periods. In the duodenal bulb and duodenum, the pattern was observed more frequently than in other segments e x a mined. During phase 2b, the ‘minute rhythm’ incidence was often more frequent than during phase 2a of the migrating motility complex. Feed ing increased significantly the ‘minute rhythm’ incidence, but these alter a tions were more evident during first two observation periods. In the jejunum, duration of one ‘minute rhythm’ episode was longer than in more proximal segments. In the more distal j ejunal recording site the ‘minute rhythm’ was often absent. The pattern was well coordinated mostly in the antroduodenum and its propagation velocity was the highest also in the upper small bowel. It is co ncluded that the ‘minute rhythm’ incidence, form, a nd coordination depend ed upon the feeding cond itions, intensity of intestinal motility and the gastrointe s tinal segment.