Sampling of digestive contents by ileal cannulation in the rabbit

Abstract

ABSTRACTA technique is described for the collection of digestive contents with a glass T-shaped ileal cannula, in rabbits fed ad libitum. Repeated samples of ileal contents were easily obtained by gravity from conscious animals lying in a hammock for 1 h, twice a week, over a period of 2 months. Analysis of the ileal contents showed no diurnal variations in concentrations of crude protein, neutral-detergent fibre, ammonia, and total short-chain volatile fatty acids. The fresh weight output was maximal at 09.00 h and minimal at 03.00 h. The transit time of phenol sulphone phthalein between mouth and ileum was 75 (s.d. 14) min and did not vary according to the time of day when measured (08.00 to 12.00 h, 14.00 to 18.00 h, 20.00 to 24.00 h).