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Evaluation of nutrient utilization in the canine using the ileal cannulation technique
J A Walker1, D L Harmon, K L Gross
1Department of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546.
The Journal of Nutrition
|December 1, 1994
Summary
A new surgical technique for ileal cannulation in dogs allows accurate nutrient digestion studies. Starch digestion was complete in the small intestine, but dry matter digestibility varied with grain source.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Accurate assessment of nutrient digestion in dogs is crucial for dietary formulation.
- Previous methods may be confounded by hindgut fermentation.
- Ileal cannulation offers a direct measure of small intestinal nutrient digestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a surgical technique for ileal T-cannula placement in dogs.
- To determine the effect of different carbohydrate sources on starch and dry matter digestibility in the canine small intestine.
Main Methods:
- Nine mature mongrel dogs underwent surgery for ileal T-cannula implantation.
- Digesta flow was characterized using Cr:EDTA and Cr2O3 as markers.
- Two experiments assessed starch and dry matter digestibility using diets with various extruded grains (corn, rice, oats, barley).
Main Results:
- The ileal T-cannula surgical technique resulted in quick recovery.
- Starch digestion was complete (>98%) within the small intestine, irrespective of carbohydrate source.
- Dry matter digestibility varied, with rice showing higher digestibility than corn, and barley higher than oats.
Conclusions:
- Ileal cannulation is a viable method for studying canine nutrient digestion, excluding hindgut microbial influence.
- Carbohydrate source significantly impacts dry matter digestibility but not small intestinal starch digestibility in dogs.