Factors affecting the voluntary intake of food by sheep

Abstract

1. Sheep equipped with rumen and abomasal cannulas were given ad lib. access to ground and pelleted lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay except for periods of up to 6 h immediately before experimental sessions in which food intake was measured while various stomach compartments were either distended or subjected to tactile stimulation from a probe.2. Inserting a probe, consisting of two collapsed balloons tied onto the end of a polyethylene tube, into the reticulum depressed intake by 24% after 30 min of feeding (P < 0.025). Compensatory feeding was observed during the 30 min period immediately following removal of the probes. There were no effects of having a probe in the abomasum.3. Distension of the reticulum with 0–800 ml water in a balloon depressed intake by 0.2 g/ml after 30 min of feeding (P < 0.05). Removing the balloons from the animals allowed them to make up the deficit in intake completely within 30 min. Distending the rumen by 800 ml had no effect on intake (P < 0.05). Distending the abomasum with up to 1000 ml water in a balloon depressed intake by 0.11 g/ml after 30 min of feeding with compensatory feeding being significant (P < 0.05) but incomplete.4. Combinations of reticular distension up to 800 ml and of abomasal distension up to 1200 ml did not have additive depressing effects on intake.