Surgical cannulation of proximal duodenum in steers

Abstract

Different procedures are utilized to determine aspects of digestibility and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. In order to evaluate a simplified technique, ten six-month old holstein steers, weighing 138 kg average, were submitted to cannulation of the proximal duodenum. Double L-shapped cannulas were constructed from PVC pipe and fittings. The cannula device and enteropexy has been a simple and inexpensive option for experimental duodenum cannulation in steers. Inspecting and clearing the cannula each 48 hour period is fundamental for patency maintenance.