Abomasum Of Goats Research Articles

Regulatory effect of Balanites aegyptiaca ethanol extract on oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis gene expression in goat abomasum experimentally infected with Haemonchus Contortus

This experiment aimed to assess the regulatory effects of treatment with Balanites aegyptiaca fruit ethanol extract (BA-EE) on oxidant/antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis gene expression in the abomasum of Haemonchus contortus–infected goats. Twenty goat kids were assigned randomly to four equal groups: (G1) infected-untreated, (G2) uninfected-BA-EE-treated, (G3) infected-albendazole-treated, (G4) infected-BA-EE-treated. Each goat in (G1), (G3), and (G4) was orally infected with 10,000 infective third-stage larvae. In the fifth week postinfection, single doses of albendazole (5 mg/kg.BW) and BA-EE (9 g/kg.BW) were given orally. In the ninth week postinfection, the animals were slaughtered to obtain abomasum specimens. The following oxidant/antioxidant markers were determined: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT). The mRNA gene expression of cytokines (IL-3, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) and cell apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl-2) were estimated. (G1) showed significantly reduced GSH content and GST and SOD activities but a markedly increased MDA level. (G3) and (G4) revealed a markedly lower MDA level with pronouncedly elevated GSH, SOD, and GST levels. The antioxidant properties of BA-EE were superior to those of albendazole. The mRNA gene expressions of IL-3, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and Bax-2 were upregulated in (G1) but downregulated in (G3) and (G4). Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio expression followed a reverse course in the infected and both treated groups. We conclude that BA-EE treatment has a protective role in the abomasum of H. contortus–infected goats. This could be attributed to its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell apoptosis.

Cross Reaction of Haemonchus contortus Protein with Toxocara vitulorum Anti-L2 Serum Using Western Blot Technique

In the adult stage, Haemonchus contortus worms infect the abomasum host causing anemia and even death in animals. However, identifying the H. contortus protein can be used as a reference for the diagnosis of diseases. The diagnosis is performed by serological cross-reaction between H. contortus protein and anti-L2 Toxocara vitulorum (T. vitulorum) serum using the western blot technique. The main purpose of the current research was to identify the cross-reaction between H. contortus proteins and anti-L2 T. vitulorum serum using the western blot technique. T. vitulorum worms were collected from the intestine of cattle and H. contortus worms were collected from the abomasum of goats. The first step was making antibodies by oral infection of rats with infective eggs (L2) of T. vitulorum. The blood was taken 21 days after infection. Then, the blood was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes to get the serum. The second step was making homogenates from the whole worm extract of H. contortus. After crushing the worms, it was centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 15 minutes and the supernatant was taken. The supernatant was then analyzed using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with coomassie brilliant blue staining. The third step was the analysis of H. contortus protein with serum anti-L2 T. vitulorum using the western blot technique. From the H. contortus homogenates analysis using SDS-PAGE, 16 protein bands were obtained. The cross-reactions were 141.3, 81.3, 64. 6, 51.3, 46.8, and 38 kDa. The data from cross-reactions suggested that the H. contortus protein cannot be used as a diagnostic material. It is serologically Haemonchosis because it caused false positives with diagnostic Toxocariasis.

Prevalence of Nematodiasis in Omasum and Abomasum of Goats Slaughtered at Pegirian Surabaya Slaughter House Through Gatrointestinal Surgery Method

The purpose of this research is to determine the kind of nematodes and to determine the prevalence result. Thirtysix samples of omasum and abomasum were collected from RPH Pegirian from September-November 2017 then using gastrointestinal surgery to get fresh adult worm, afterwards using Semichen-Acetic Carmine stainning method to makes the object easy to microscopic identify. The result showed that species was found Haemonchus contortus, as an identify result show that adult worm has a character on a anterior part called cervical papilae, female worm has a barber’s pole on body also posterior part has a vulva flap, posterior part of male worm has a bursa copulatrix, spicula, gubernaculum and dorsal rays looks like Y shape. Seventeen positive samples and the prevalence rate was 47,2%, 273 adult worms and female worms 215 (78,75%) and the male worms 58 (21,25%). Chi-Square statistical test (P <0.05) showed that 13 positive samples of kambing kacang (65%) were higher infected Haemonchosis infection than 4 potitive samples of PE (25%).

Exploring the Spatial-Temporal Microbiota of Compound Stomachs in a Pre-weaned Goat Model.

Ruminant animals possess a characteristic four-compartment stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum) that is specialized for pre-intestinal digestion of plant materials. Of these four compartments, the rumen is the largest. The rumen’s diverse microbial community has been well studied. However, the current understanding of microbial profiles in the reticulum, omasum and abomasum are lacking. In the present study, fluid samples from the reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of goats at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 days after birth, as well as the negative controls (NC) used for microbial DNA extraction, were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. By filtering operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in NC, distinct temporal distributions of microbes were observed in the different compartments, we showed that the OTUs in control samples had a large effect to the samples with low microbial density. In addition, Proteobacteria gradually decreased with age from days 3 to 56 in all three compartments, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes increased from 24.15% (Day 3) to 52.03% (Day 56) in abomasum. Network analysis revealed that Prevotellaceae_UGG-03 and Rikenellaceae_RC9 were positively correlated with Prevotella_1, lending support to the well understood fact that cellulose is well digested in compound stomachs prior to the rumen. Pathway analysis revealed that gene expression in abomasum at Day 3 were primarily related to Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis and Pyruvate metabolism, suggesting that colostrum digestion is the dominant function of the abomasum at an early age. These findings combined with other recent rumen microbiota data show that the microbiome landscape represents three distinct stages in ruminant stomachs. The first stage is to gain access to external microorganisms at Day 0–14, the secondary stage is for microbial transition at Day 14–28, and the third stage is for exogenous and endogenous microbial colonization beyond Day 28 of age. Our results provide insight into microbiota dynamics in ruminant stomachs, and will facilitate efforts for the maintenance of gastrointestinal balance and intervention with starter diets in juvenile ruminants during early development.

Morphology and morphometry of Haemonchus contortus exposed to Gigantochloa apus crude aqueous extract.

Aim:Haemonchus contortus is the most pathogenic nematode infesting the digestive tract of goats and sheep worldwide leading to a tremendous loss in a variety of routes. Economic losses due to haemonchosis in subtropic and tropic areas are usually caused by poor weight gain, minimized growth, loss of production, and mortality. The prevalence of haemonchosis in Indonesia is 89.4% in goat, and annual loss achieved 1 million US dollars. This study evaluated in vitro effects of Gigantochloa apus crude aqueous extract as an anthelmintic on H. contortus morphology and morphometry.Materials and Methods:Bligon goats which are naturally infected were collected from slaughtered goat from local slaughterhouses, namely Besi Sleman. Bligon goat’s abomasum part was carefully examined and transported to the Parasitology Laboratory, University of Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. H. contortus was obtained from 4 to 6-month-old female goat from slaughterhouses in Yogyakarta area. H. contortus was collected from abomasum and put into a Petri dish containing 0.62% water saline. The number of H. contortus used for each concentration is 25. H. contortus was soaked in each concentration for 4 h. The figure of the parasites or parts of parasites was captured using camera Lucida, and they were measured using both objective micrometer and objective ocular micrometer. All the capturing processes were done with the help of Olympus Digital Camera under Olympus CX21 microscopic. Parasite morphology was identified in morphological and morphometric characters.Result:Morphology of H. contortus revealed the cervical papillae bulge appears unclear shape and anterior end is more tapered. Vulvar flab control is not tapered, but vulvar flab which gets aware of G. apus crude aqueous extract looks more pointed. The gubernaculum appears irregular compared to gubernaculum control which tends to be more compact, and the posterior end form appears irregular more than posterior end control. Morphometry study of H. contortus indicates that it has a significant difference for body length, body width, cervical papillae, and spicule length in the male.Conclusion:G. apus crude aqueous extract activity revealed morphology change such as cervical papillae, vulvar flab, gubernaculum, posterior end, and reduced morphometry measurement of H. contortus adult worms, notably in body length, body width, cervical papillae width, gubernaculum, and spicule length in males and body length, body width, cervical papillae width, and vulva length in females.

Collectins and galectins in the abomasum of goats susceptible and resistant to gastrointestinal nematode infection.

Originally described in cattle, conglutinin belongs to the collectin family and is involved in innate immune defense. It is thought that conglutinin provides the first line of defense by maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the microbes in the rumen while inhibiting inflammatory reactions caused by antibodies leaking into the bloodstream. Due to the lack of information on the similar lectins and sequence detection in goats, we characterized the goat conglutinin gene using RACE and evaluated the differences in its gene expression profile, as well as in the gene expression profiles for surfactant protein A, galectins 14 and 11, interleukin 4 and interferon-gamma in goats. We used Saanen and Anglo Nubian F2 crossbred goats monitored over a period of four months and characterized them as resistant (R) or susceptible (S) based on the average values of EPG counts. Goat conglutinin was similar to bovine conglutinin, but its gene expression varied among different tissues. However, as with bovine conglutinin, it was most highly expressed in the liver. Variation in conglutinin (R=24.3±3.9; S=23.5±2.6, p=0.059), protein surfactant A (R=23.8±5.2, S=24.4±2.3, p=0.16), galectin 14 (R=15.9±3.5, S=14.7±6.2, p=0.49) and galectin l1 gene expression (R=25.4±2.6, S=25.8±3.7, p=0.53) was not significant between groups. However, there were weak correlations between interleukin 4 and the protein surfactant A gene (r=0.459, p=0.02) and between interleukin 4 and galectin 11 (r=0.498, p=0.01). Strong correlation between interferon-gamma and galectin 14 (r=0.744, p=0.00) was observed. Galectin 14 was negatively correlated with the number of nematodes in the goat (r=-0.416, p=0.04) as well as the EPG count (r=-0.408, p=0.04). This is the first study to date that identifies the gene expression of conglutinin, surfactant protein A and galectins 14 and 11 in the goat abomasum. In conclusion, we present evidence that lectin is involved in the immune response to gastrointestinal nematodes, which suggests that collectins and galectins are involved in the molecular recognition of helminths.

Identification and Distribution of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Abomasum of Goats

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are regarded as pacemakers and are involved in neurotransmission in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals. However, limited information is available about the existence of ICCs within the GIT of ruminants. In this study, we investigated the ultrastructural characteristics and distribution of ICCs in goat abomasum using transmission electron microscopy and c-kit immunohistochemistry. Two different kinds of c-kit immunoreactive cells were observed in the abomasum. The first was identified as ICCs, which appeared to be multipolar or bipolar in shape, with some processes. These c-kit immunoreactive cells were deposited in the submucosal layer, myenteric plexus between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers, and within the longitudinal and circular muscle layers of the abomasum. The second type of cell was round in shape and was identified as mast cells, which were located in the submucosal layer as well as in the lamina propria. Ultrastructurally, ICCs were also observed as stellate or spindle-shaped cells, which were consistent in shape with our c-kit immunoreactive cells. In the cytoplasm of ICCs, numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and caveolae were detected. ICCs were located in the myenteric plexus between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers (ICC-MY), with the longitudinal and circular muscle layer was replaced as “intramuscular layers” (ICC-IM), and in the submucosal layer (ICC-SM). In addition, we found ICCs surrounding nerve fibers and smooth muscle cells, where they formed heterocellular junctions in the form of close membrane associations or gap junctions and homocellular junctions among the processes of the ICCs. In the current study, we provide the first complete characterization of ICCs within the goat abomasum and propose that ICCs might have a key role in producing contractions in the ruminant stomach for proper absorption of nutrients.

Prevalence and Species Composition of Abomasal Nematodes in Sheep and Goats Slaughtered at Tabriz Town, Iran

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of abomasal nematodes of sheep and goats slaughtered in Tabriz town from January 2012 through June 2012 with special emphasis given to Haemonchus species. During the study period 200 abomasa of sheep and 200 abomasa of goats were examined according to standard procedures. Three genera of nematodes were identified in both sheep and goats abomasa with overall prevalence of 88 % (n = 200). And 79.5 % (n = 200), respectively. The specific prevalence rates observed were 77.2 % for Haemonchus spp., 44.1% for Trichostrongylus axei, and 16.3% for Teladorsagia spp. in sheep and 73.1 % for Haemonchus spp., 36.2 % for T. axei and 17.3% for Teladorsagia spp. in goats. Generally a high infection rate with abomasal nematodes was observed in both sheep and goats of the study area.

Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical study of the goat abomasum during prenatal development.

This study sought to chart the morphological changes taking place in the goat abomasum during prenatal development, using histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques. A total of 140 goat embryos and fetuses, from the first stages of prenatal life until birth. Differentiation of the abomasum as a separate compartment of the primitive gastric tube was observed at 35 days of prenatal life (CRL 3 cm, 23% gestation). Primitive abomasal folds were first observed at 38 days (CRL 4.3 cm, 25% gestation). The muscularis mucosae was visible by 64 days (CRL 13.5 cm, 43% gestation). Transformation of pseudostratified epithelium to simple cylindrical epithelium was also observed at this stage. Differentiation of gastric pits and glands first became apparent at 75 days (CRL 17.5 cm, 50% gestation) and 84 days (CRL 20 cm, 55% gestation), respectively. Neuroendocrine cells were detected by synaptophysin (SYP) at 64 days (CRL 13.5 cm, 43% gestation), while glial cell markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP, and vimentin-VIM) were observed at 64 days (CRL 13.5 cm, 43% gestation) and 38 days (CRL 4.3 cm, 25% gestation), respectively. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were detected at 75 days (CRL 17.5 cm, 50% gestation). Gastrin-immunoreactive cells first appeared in the abomasum at 76 days (CRL 18 cm, 50% gestation). In conclusion, prenatal development of the abomasum appears to take place somewhat earlier in goats than in sheep or cattle, but at a similar rate to that reported in wild ruminants such as deer.

Abomasal Nematodes in Goats Slaughtered at Different Abattoir of Thakurgaon District, Bangladesh

A study was carried out to estimate the prevalence, species composition and worm burden of abomasal nematodes of goats slaughtered at different abattoir of Thakurgaon district from November 2009 to April 2010. During the study period, 250 abomasum of goats were examined according to standard procedures. Two species of nematodes were identified in goats abomasum with an overall prevalence of 74.00% (n = 250). The specific prevalence rate for Haemonchus contortus (58.00%) was higher than Trichostrongylus axie (16.00%). In this study, prevalence of abomasal nematodes in relation to age, sex, breed and nutritional status of the goats were also observed. There was no statistically significant difference observed the risk factor sex in relation to the prevalence of abomasal nematodes. However, there was statistically significant difference (p < .001) observed among the risk factors (age, breed and nutritional status) in relation to the prevalence and worm count of two abomasal nematodes. In general, a high infection rate with abomasal nematodes was observed in goats during the study period. Findings suggested that higher worm burden per animal found in Haemochus contortus (6.02±0.0928) and lower in Trichostrongylus axie (0.04±0.14). From this study it was concluded that Haemochus contortus is more susceptible for geo-climatic condition in research area. Keywords: Abomasal nematodes; Prevalence; Goats; Thakurgaon. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i2.7475 J. Sci. Res. 4 (2), 491-497 (2012)

Experimental concurrent infection of Afar breed goats with Oestrus ovis (L 1) and Haemonchus contortus (L 3): Interaction between parasite populations, changes in parasitological and basic haematological parameters

The study was conducted to examine the occurrence and interaction between Oestrus ovis and Haemonchus contortus in experimentally infected Ethiopian Afar breed of goats. Twenty goats were divided into four groups (O, OH, H, and C) of five animals each. Each animal of groups O and OH received weekly infections for 5 weeks with 66 first instar larvae (L 1) of O. ovis. Then animals of groups OH and H were infected with a single dose of 5000 third stage larvae (L 3) of H. contortus. Goats of group C were kept free of any infection as non-infected control. Faecal egg count (FEC), blood cell count, total serum protein level and body weight were recorded weekly throughout the study period. At necropsy worm burden, female worm length, fecundity and larval burden of O. ovis in the nasal-sinus cavities of infected animals were assessed. The results showed that the presence of H. contortus in the abomasum of goats of group OH had no influence on the development of O. ovis. On the contrary, a significant reduction ( P < 0.05) in FEC, worm burden, fecundity and female worm length was revealed in group OH animals compared to the mono-infected animals (group H). This was associated with eosinophilia and reduced packed cell volume.

Purification and characterization of goat pepsinogens and pepsins

Three type-A and two type-C pepsinogens, namely, pepsinogens A-1, A-2, A-3, C-1, and C-2, were purified from adult goat abomasum. Their relative levels in abomasal mucosa were 27, 19, 14, 25, and 15%, respectively. Amino acid compositions were quite similar between isozymogens of respective types, but different between the two types especially in the Glx/Asx and Leu/Ile ratios. NH 2-terminal amino acid sequences of pepsinogens A-3 and C-2 were SFFKIPLVKKKSLRQNLIEN- and LVKIPLKKFKSIRETM-, respectively. Pepsins A and C showed maximal hemoglobin-digestive activity at around pH 2 and 3, respectively, and specific activities of pepsins C were higher than those of pepsins A. Two subtypes of pepsin A were obvious, namely pepsin A-2/3 which maintains its activity in the weakly acidic pH region over pH 3 and pepsin A-1, which does not. Hydrolysis of oxidized insulin B chain by goat pepsins A occurred primarily at Ala14-Leu15 and Leu15-Tyr16 bonds.

Effect of pH and Temperature on Lipase and Phospholipase of Adult Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae)

Haemonchus contortus (Rud., 1803), one of the most pathogenic parasitic species found in the abomasum of ruminants, has attracted the attention of investigators from different parts of the world. Lipid biosynthesis of H. contortus has been studied extensively (Kapur and Sood, 1984, Zentralblatt fur Veterinarmedizin 31: 225-230); the worm is capable of lipid utilization during starvation, in vitro (Kapur, 1983, Ph.D. Thesis, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India; Kapur and Sood, 1984, loc. cit.). However, no attempt has been made to detect the enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. The present study examines lipase and phospholipase activity. In addition, the effect of pH and temperature on enzyme activity was also observed. Adults of H. contortus were collected from the abomasa of goats (Capra hircus) procured from local abattoirs. For assaying the enzymes of the worms only, these were repeatedly washed in physiological saline in order to remove adhering host material. Worms were then homogenized in 0.25 M sucrose for 5 min and centrifuged at 1,250 g for 10 min at 4 C. The supernatant thus obtained was assayed for the enzyme activity. The entire operation was performed under cold conditions. Lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) and phospholipase (EC 3.1.1.32 [A1] and EC 3.1.1.4 [A2]) were estimated by the method of Mahadevan et al. (1969, Analytical Biochemistry 27: 387-396). For estimation of lipase, 0.1 ml tris-HCl buffer (1 M), 0.2 ml aqueous sodium taurocholate (15 mg/ ml), 0.3 ml water, 0.2 ml NaCl (3 M), 0.1 ml CaCl2 2H20 (75 mM), 0.5 ml substrate, and 0.1 ml enzyme preparation were incubated for 30 min. Substrate was prepared by mixing 41.3 ml gum arabic (10% w/v), 3.25 g crushed ice, and 5 ml olive oil. Reaction was terminated with 2 ml 95% ethanol and 0.2 ml 1 N HC1. Free fatty acids thus liberated were extracted in petroleum ether. Controls, one without substrate and the enzyme, and the other with the boiled enzyme preparation but with the substrate, were similarly incubated. Fatty acids were estimated by the method of Lowry and Tinsley (1976, Journal of American Oil Chemists Society 53: 470-472). Aliquots of fatty acids extracted above were taken and dried at 50 C. To each sample was added 5 ml slightly warmed benzene. Subsequently, 1 ml of 5% aqueous cupric acetate pyridine reagent (pH 66.2) was added and mixed on a cyclomixer for 2-3 min. The upper layer was read at 715 nm against a blank with no fatty acid. For phospholipase, 0.5 ml substrate (10 mg lecithin/ml water), 0.5 ml acetate buffer (0.2 M), and 0.5 ml enzyme preparation were incubated for 90 min. Reaction was terminated in the same manner as in the case of lipase, and controls were similarly incubated. All the assays were repeated 3 times. For determining optimum pH, buffers with a pH range 6.6-9.4 in the case of lipase, and pH 3.4-6.2 in the case of phospholipase, were used. Incubations were carried out at 37 C. The pH at which maximum activity was obtained was selected for studying the effect of temperature. The range of temperatures used was 22-52 C. At each pH and temperature, controls were similarly incubated. Protein content was determined by the method of Lowry et al. (1951, Journal of Biological Chemistry 193: 265-275). Results of the effect of pH and temperature on the activity of lipase and phospholipase are given in Figures 1 and 2. For lipase, optimum activity was at pH 7.8. Practically no change was observed from pH 9 to 9.4. Also, there was a progressive increase in enzyme activity with increasing temperature, with optimum activity at 42 C. Thereafter, there was a decrease followed again by an increase at 52 C. High phospholipase activity at pH 3.4 was recorded. Optimum activity was at pH 5.0; at pH 6.2 no activity could be recorded. As in lipase, optimum activity was attained at 37 C. Thereafter, there was a slight decrease at 42 C, followed by a significant decrease at 47 C. Surprisingly, with a further increase in temperature, phospholipase activity increased dramatically. This was not an artifact, since blanks were also incubated at this high temperature.

ヤギの第1胃および第4胃内に給与した飼料の利用性について

反芻動物の栄養素利用における第1胃機能の特異性について検討するため,第1胃および第4胃フィステルと気管カニューレを装着した去勢成雄ヤギ3頭を用い,2種類の精製飼料を第1胃および第4胃内に直接投与して,それぞれの場合の飼料の利用性について比較検討し,次のような結果を得た.1) 澱粉の消化率は,コーンスターチ75%を配合した飼料を第1胃内に給与した場合98.6%で,第4胃内に給与した場合は57.0%であり,第4胃以下の消化管における澱粉の消化能力の低いことが確認された.飼料中の澱粉の30%をグルコースで置き換えた飼料を第4胃内に給与した場合には,グルコースは完全に消化管より消失し,また澱粉の消化率は73%に上昇した.2) コーンスターチ75%を配合した飼料を代謝体重kg当たり150kcal第4胃内に給与した場合の熱発生量は,代謝体重kg当たり4.5kcalであったが,それを第1胃内に給与した場合は5.1kcalに増加した.3) 飼料摂取に伴う熱増加は,飼料の第4胃内給与時には代謝エネルギーの約16%,第1胃内給与の場合には27%であった.このことは,第1胃内においてVFA生成が増加し,かつそのエネルギー的利用性の低いことを反映している.4) コーンスターチ75%を配合した飼料を第1胃内あるいは第4胃内に給与しても,血糖値は飼料摂取後ほとんど増加しなかったが,30%グルコースを配合した飼料を第4胃内に給与した場合は増加した.以上の結果から,反芻動物のエネルギー源としてVFAのみならず,グルコースも十分吸収利用さら得ることが明らかになった.

The Utilization of Soybean Protein Introduced into the Abomasum of Goats

The authors previously reported that the utilization efficiency of abomasally administered milk casein (4.1gN/day) or urea (4.7gN/day) in goats orally fed a low-quality hay was 61-68 and 30-47%, respectively2, 3) In order to compare the utilization efficiency of abomasally infused soybean protein** with that of milk casein or urea, the present experiment was carried out using goats fed a basal diet of low-quality hay.

The Effect of Starch on Utilization of Casein Infused into the Abomasum of Goats

The Effect of Starch on Utilization of Casein Infused into the Abomasum of Goats

Feed Intake of Goats and Sheep Following Acetate or Propionate Injections into Rumen, Ruminal Pouches, and Abomasum as Affected by local Anesthetics

Previous experiments indicated that changes in rumen fluid concentration of volatile fatty acids especially in the dorsal rumen may play a role in the control of feed intake of ruminants. Experiments were designed to test for influence of possible ruminal nerve receptors in this feeding response. In Experiment 1, water (control), M acetate, M propionate (pH 6.5), or M acetate or propionate plus 400mg/ liter of Carbocaine, Xylocaine, or Oxetha-zaine (local anesthetics), were injected into the dorsal rumen of goats during spontaneous meals. Carbocaine and M acetate depressed feeding less than acetate alone (P<.01). Oxethazaine was ineffective in preventing feed intake decrease caused by acetate (P<.01). Propionate alone decreased feed intake 14% versus controls, but combined with either Carbocaine or Xylocaine feeding decreased further. In Experiment 2, catheters were implanted on the right ruminal nerve. Xylocaine (2%) injected on this nerve tended to increase feeding slightly. Xylocaine combined with intraruminal M acetate injections tended to decrease feeding less than acetate alone. Xylocaine injections combined with intraruminal propionate tended to decrease feeding less than propionate alone. In Experiment 3, Pavlov type pouches with neural and blood supply intact were formed in an area innervated by the left ruminal nerve in goats and sheep. Both rumen and pouch were provided with cannulas. Animals were fed twice daily for 2 hr. Thirty ml m acetate, propionate, acetate plus Carbocaine (400 nig/liter), propionate plus Carbocaine, or rumen fluid for a control were injected into pouches on test days just prior to both feedings. Each type of pouch injection was tested for 5 consecutive days. After the second daily feeding, pouches were filled with fresh rumen fluid and left overnight. Teed intake as a percent of control was decreased with acetate (1%) whereas acetate plus Carbocaine increased feeding by 11%. Propionate tended to decrease intakes more (14.1%) than propionate plus Carbocaine (1%). In Experiment 4 water (control), m acetate or m acetate plus Carbocaine (400 mg/liter) were injected through catheters into the abomasum of goats. Acetate alone decreased feeding (P<.02) more than acetate plus Carbocaine although more acetate was injected during the latter treatment. Results lend further support to the hypothesis of acetate receptors in the ruminal wall of goats and sheep.

Digestibility of Casein and Starch Introduced into Rumen and Abomasum of Goats

LITTLE and MITCHELL1) reported that steers digested casein, gluten, soybean protein and gelatin at almost the same grade in both oral and abomasal administration, but the nitrogen rentention was higher in the abomasal administration than in the oral administration. KAMEOKA2) observed that the digestibility of casein infused into the abomasum of goats with the filtrated omasal ingesta showed almost the same value as measured in non-ruminants. In the present experiment, the influence of various feeding routes on casein and starch digestion in goats was investigated.

Feed Intake of Goats During Volatile Fatty Acid Injections into Four Gastric Areas

Previous experiments indicate that changes in rumen fluid concentration of volatile fatty acids may be factors in the control of feed intake of ruminants. The present experiment was designed to test the sensitivity of different areas of the stomachs to volatile fatty acids. Water (control) or 1.0M fatty acid solutions (pH=6.5) (2 days each) were injected into the dorsal rumen, ventral rumen, ventral reticulum, or abomasum of goats during spontaneous meals. Acetate (.75 and .65 moles per day) injected into the dorsal rumen or abomasum decreased feed intake 30 and 20% (P<.01). Propionate (approximately .80 mole per day) injected into each of the gastric areas decreased feed intake approximately 34% (P<.05). Similarly, a fatty acid mixture (55% acetate, 30% propionate, and 15% butyrate) injected into each gastric area decreased feed intake 23 to 49% (P<.02). We conclude that the dorsal rumen probably contains receptors for acetate and propionate, but the propionate response may be due, in addition, to receptors in the gastric veins. Injections into the abomasum, in contrast to those in the ruminoreticulum, probably result in unphysiological concentration changes although there is a similar decrease in feed intake.

Absorption of volatile fatty acids, tritiated water and antipyrine from the abomasum of goats.

In conscious goats the abomasum was isolated temporarily from the rest of the gastro‐intestinal tract by means of balloons, or a double by‐pass or a snare around the pylorus. Abomasal contents, rumen fluid or a saline solution were given into the abomasum. Altogether forty experiments were done on four goats.The absorption of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, tritiated water (HTO) and antipyrine (AP) from the abomasum was measured. For comparison of the absorption rates, the data were given as clearance of the abomasal fluid and as water diffusion.At a mean abomasal fluid volume of 606 ± 201 ml., 513 ± 169 ml. water diffused out of the abomasum through the abomasal mucosa per hour. The antipyrine clearance was 214 ± 84 ml./hr. The volatile fatty acids (VFA) were absorbed considerably faster at acid than at neutral pH values; at pH 5·2 — 5·6 the VFA clearance was only 320 ml./hr.: at pH 3·5−4·0, however, it increased to 1130 ml./hr.The olive oil: water partition coefficients for acetic, propionic and butyric acid were measured in the pH range of 3·5 −6·2. With decreasing pH values the degree of dissociation of the acids decreases and the lipid solubility increases considerably. The permeability of the abomasal and ruminal mucosa for VFA also increases at lower pH values, but not as much as the olive oil : water partition coefficients of the acids.Absorption of VFA, HTO and AP from the abomasum is discussed in relation to the absorption of these substances from the rumen and the human stomach.