[Motility of the rumen after feeding sheep pelleted rations]

In an experiment with wethers the effect of the feeding with pelleted feed rations and the partial replacement of coarse fodder by non-treated beech sawdust on the motorial activity of the rumen was observed. The rumen motility was measured through a rumen fistula by means of the balloon method with the help of a capacitator primary unit, an electric manometer and a recording instrument. Over a period of 24 weeks the animals consumed 1.3 kg dry matter per day. It consisted of 41.8% meadow hay, 25.3% barley, 15.4% sawdust, 15.0% molasses, 1.3% urea, 0.76% mixed minerals and 0.48% hexametaphosphate in the form of pellets (test group) or the traditional classical form (control group). The feeding of pellets diminished the frequency (P less than 0.001) and the intensity of rumen contractions before and 1, 3 and 5 hours after feeding. Maximal frequency values were registered one hour after the food intake. During this time the number of secondary contractions of the rumen increased; differences of the frequency were, however, not registered, which means that the different physical form of the diet had no influence on the motorial activity of the rumen and that the food intake as such is the decisive factor. The diminished rumen motility in further hours after feeding was effected by treating the feed (grinding and pelleting).