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Pressure developed within the Reticular Compartment of the Ruminant Stomach

Nature volume 181, page 494 (1958)Cite this article

Abstract

IN order to investigate the mechanical aspects of digestion in the ruminant stomach, pressure variations occurring within the reticulo-rumen have been measured on many occasions1–3, using balloons connected to liquid-filled manometers or to recording tambours. Wester1 reported that the intra-ruminal pressure in the cow showed phasic fluctuations of 2.5 cm. mercury, while Quin, Van der Wath and Myburgh2 recorded a maximal rise of 10.0 cm. water in the sheep; in both instances the basal intra-ruminal pressure was close to atmospheric pressure. Balch, Kelly and Heim3, using a balloon connected to a writing tambour, recorded pressure-changes from within the reticulum of the cow and showed a basic level of 2.5–3.5 cm. mercury above atmospheric pressure rising by 1–2 cm. mercury with contraction of the reticulum. It is probable that in the latter case the higher resting pressure is due to the hydrostatic effect of the liquid contents of the reticulum.

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References

  1. Wester, J., “Die Physiologie und Pathologie der Vormagen bein Rinde” (R. Schoetz, Berlin, 1926).

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  2. Quin, J. I., Van der Wath, J. G., and Myburgh, S., Onderst. J. Vet. Sci. Anim. Indust., 11, 341 (1938).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Physiology, Royal Veterinary College, London, N.W.1.

    F. R. BELL

Authors
  1. F. R. BELL
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BELL, F. Pressure developed within the Reticular Compartment of the Ruminant Stomach. Nature 181, 494 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/181494a0

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