Abstract:
Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 THE EFFECT ON INTAKE OF INFUSING ARTIFICIAL SALIVA INTO THE RUMEN OF SHEEP CONSUMING ROUGHAGE DIETS F.J. PIGOTT*, R. ELLIOTT* and N.P. McMENIMAN* Animals consuming poor quality roughages exhibit low rumen liquid dilution rates. Previously Harrison et al. (1975) reported large increases in rumen dilution rates in sheep fed restricted amounts of cereal grain based diets by the infusion of artificial saliva (McDougalls Buffer). If such an improvement in rumen liquid dilution rates could be obtained in sheep fed low quality roughage diets it may lead to increased intake. Four Merino cross wethers (approximately 42 kg liveweight) each equipped with a rumen cannula were housed in individual pens. Known amounts of the test diets (oaten chaff or lucerne chaff) were offered in excess of previously measured ad lib intakes to each animal at 0900 h daily. In addition, the sheep were continuously infused with either water or a saturated solution of artificial saliva (1.3 l/d). Treatments were imposed in a Latin square design. All animals were maintained on the appropriate treatment for 14 days prior to collection of faeces for a further 7 days. Rumen pH, VFA concentrations and liquid dilution rates were determined, the latter using Chromium EDTA. The artificial saliva and water infused into sheep fed the oaten chaff contained urea to achieve a nitrogen intake similar to the animals fed the lucerne chaff. Fresh water was available to the animals at all times. Effect of intraruminal infusions of artificial saliva or water on intake, Table 1 digestibility and rumen parameters in sheep fed diets of oaten chaff (OA) or lucerne chaff (LU) Infusions did not affect feed intake, rumen liquid dilution rates or VFA proportions: rumen pH was increased by infusion with artificial saliva. There would seem to be little value in attempting to increase intake by offering the minerals found in artificial saliva to animals consuming roughage diets. HARRISON, D.G., BEEVER, D-E., THOKSON, D.J, and OSBOURNE, D.F. (1975). J. Agric. Sci. Carnb, 85: 93. *Depts. Agriculture and Animal Production, Univ. Qld., St- Lucia, Qld. 4067. 73 1
