Technical note: Evaluation of the ororuminal FLORA sampling device for rumen fluid sampling in intact cattle

摘要

The objectives of this study were to evaluate theactual intraruminal sampling site of the ororuminalFLORA sampling device (Profs Products, Wittibreut,Germany), and to compare pH and volatile fatty acid(VFA) data obtained using FLORA and those obtainedusing a suction strainer introduced to the ventral ruminalsac via a rumen cannula. Five lactating multiparousDanish Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas wereused. All cows were fed the same diet once daily, andthe diet was allowed ad libitum. Samples of rumen fluidand recordings were obtained 6 h after feeding at 3occasions. Rumen fluid samples were taken using 2 devices:(1) the ororuminal FLORA sampling device and(2) a suction strainer inserted through the rumen cannulato the ventral ruminal sac and a 60-mL syringe forsuction. Both sampling devices were inserted concomitantly,and samples of rumen fluid were obtained simultaneouslywith both devices. After sampling rumenfluid, the actual intraruminal placement of the FLORAsampling cup was manually assessed as being in eitherthe cranial sac, the dorsal sac, the medial layer, or theventral sac. Only VFA proportions, and not pH andVFA concentrations, were similar between rumen fluidsamples obtained using FLORA and those obtaineddirectly through the rumen cannula. The observed intraruminalsampling site of the FLORA sampling cupindicates that firm rumen digesta hampers the abilityof the FLORA device to reach the ventral sac andimpedes filling of the sampling cup and, consequently,increases the risk of saliva contamination of samples.