Ref code: SHE04  

Category  

Teaching - 3 (Instructor : student ratio 1:3)

Research - 4

Objective

To collect ruminal fluid from live sheep.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

There are no practical alternatives.

Details of procedure

Smear a lubricant such as K-Y Gel onto the catheter which must be transparent, flexible, rounded on the tip and of small diameter with sufficient length to enter the rumen and siphon off the fluid.

The catheter is inserted through the nostril into the pharynx where swallowing will occur.  Care must be taken that the catheter doesn't enter the trachea which will cause coughing.

If ruminal liquor cannot be siphoned from the rumen then water may be pumped in to free up the contents.

Drugs, chemicals or biological agents

K-Y Gel or other recommended lubricant.

Impact of procedure on wellbeing of animals

Low impact if carried out with care, but the procedure has potential to:

1.   Damage the mucous membranes, especially if unlubricated or inflexible catheters are used.

2.  Cause choking if catheter inserted into the trachea.

Reuse and repeated use

One demonstration per sheep.

Care of animal(s) during/after the procedure

The procedure is well tolerated and the animal will not require special care.

Pain relief measures

The procedure causes little or no discomfort to the animal and pain relief measures are not needed.

Qualifications experience or training necessary to perform this procedure

Supervision by a person competent in the procedure.