Intragastric infusion of nutrients in cattle

Abstract

1. A method of continuous alimentation of cattle by total infusion of nutrients has been developed. Friesian steers within the weight range 100–400 kg live weight and dairy cows were used.2. A multi-channel peristaltic pump was used to infuse solutions of volatile fatty acids (VFA), minerals, and buffer through a cannula in the rumen and a case in–vitamin solution into the abomasum.3. The method described was successfully used with two cows and four steers in a series of trials over intervals of approximately 2 months. The levels of infusion were up to twice maintenance and with various relative proportions of VFA and protein. Blood metabolite levels, rumen osmotic pressure and pH were monitored and effectively controlled.