The effect on oesophageal groove closure of water and mineral
solutions drenched to cows
V.R. Carruthers, D.E. Phipps, R.J. Bakker
Dairying Research Corporation, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New
Zealand.
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 1994,
54: 23-26
The fate of mineral solutions when drenched was assessed in cows
slaughtered after drenching using a dye visible in gut contents. Seven
groups of 10 cows were drenched with water or solutions of magnesium oxide,
magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, sodium chloride, sodium
bicarbonate or zinc oxide in Trial 1. Frequency of closure was higher (P<0.05)
for sodium bicarbonate (60%) than for magnesium oxide or magnesium
chloride (10 to 20%). Five cows drenched with water alone showed bypass of
the rumen. In Trial 2 four groups of 6 or 7 cows were drenched with water or
solutions containing selenium. Hydromin or copper sulphate. Frequency of
closure was higher (P<0.05) for copper sulphate (70%) than for water or
selenium (0%). The results suggest that bypass of the rumen in response to
drenching may contribute to apparent failures of bloat drenches, particularly
when certain minerals are added to the drench.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
dairy cows; oesophageal groove; rumen bypass; abomasum; minerals.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
