Rumen motility in sheep and cattle as affected by feeds and
feeding
G.C. Waghorn and C.S.W. Reid
Applied Biochemistry Division, DSIR, Palmerston North
E-Mail:
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1977, 37: 176-181
Rumen "A" and "B" sequence contractions were recorded over
several 24 h periods from three sheep fed pelleted lucerne, chaffed
lucerne hay and Ruanui ryegrass and from four cattle fed only the latter
two diets. Rumen motility was related to jaw activity: eating ruminating
and resting. The effects of diet and differences between sheep and
cattle are demonstrated. The sheep were used to determine the pattern
and the rate of digesta movement within the rumen using radiographic
techniques. A similar pattern was evident for all diets but rates of
movement varied between diets.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 24-08-2000
