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Technique for Measuring Eructated Gas in Cattle¹

Department of Animal Husbandry, University of California, Davis

ABSTRACT

A technique, involving tracheal transection, to determine the frequency and amplitude of eructation, was developed with seven steers and two cows. To measure the volume of the eructations, a mask was installed on the animal's muzzle and a cannula was inserted in the anterior end of the transected trachea. Tubing connected the mask and cannula to a spirometer. It was found in this type of preparation that most, if not all, of the eructated gas escaped via the anterior trachea. The volume of gas evolved in the rumen (less that absorbed through the rumen wall) was measured in ten trials with the eructation technique. These values compared favorably with those recorded from four trials using a method where the gas was aspirated directly from the rumen. For the comparison, two steers and diets of alfalfa hay, oat hay, and alfalfa tops-oat hay were employed. The rumination reflex appeared to be unimpaired.

¹ This paper was prepared from data presented in a thesis by the senior author in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of California, Davis, California.

² Present address: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oklahoma A and M College, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

³ School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.