Effects of changes in frequency of reticular contractions on fluid and particulate passage rates in cattle

Four ruminally cannulated Hereford steers (531 +/- 32 kg) without weights (control; C) or with 24-kg weights (W) in the rumen were used in a double crossover design experiment to determine the effects of changes in frequency of reticular contractions at maintenance feed intakes on passage rates of particulate matter and fluid from the rumen. Duration of reticular contractions, apparent digestibilities and heat and methane productions were also determined. Weights in the rumen had no effect (P = .07) on frequency of reticular contractions before feeding; however, frequencies of reticular contractions were higher in C than in W steers during feeding (P = .03) and after feeding (P = .05). Weights in the rumen increased the average duration of contractions before feeding (P = .04), during feeding (P = .01) and after feeding (P = .05) by 12, 15 and 15%, respectively. Fractional outflow rates of ruminal and whole gastrointestinal particulate matter were 38% and 49% lower (P = .001) in C than in W steers, respectively. Weights in the rumen reduced (P = .001) methane production (liters/d) by 29%. Methane production was inversely correlated with fractional outflow rate for ruminal particulate matter (r = -.53; P = .034). Heat productions for W and C steers were 12.3 and 12.6 Mcal/d, respectively. Weights in the rumen had no effect on apparent digestibility. Duration of reticular contractions, in contrast to frequency of contractions, was the important factor influencing passage rates of both ruminal fluid and particulate matter. Methane production was decreased when passage rates were increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)