A technique for sampling total rumen contents in sheep.
The paper describes the manufacture of an easily removable large rumen fistula closure for sheep and a restraining cradle which is used when sampling total rumen contents. Eight sheep have been fitted with the fistula and have been used regularly for nine months. The technique is rapid and simple and the closure is more reliable than other types which are often removed accidentally.
D000818:Animals; D005402:Fistula; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary; D012417:Rumen / Q000601:surgery*; D012756:Sheep / Q000601:surgery*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*