LONG-TERM SURGICAL PREPARATION OF PORTAL VEIN-DRAINED VISCERA FOR DETERMINATION OF THEIR NUTRITIONAL-REQUIREMENTS IN PRERUMINANT CALVES

Objective-To develop a surgical preparation to study the nutrient conc entration difference across the portal vein-drained viscera of prerumi nant calves over a 2-week period. Animals-9 healthy preruminant male H olstein calves. Procedure-A bilateral subcostal approach was used to r each the portal area to provide access for proper placement of an ultr asonic transit time flow probe around the portal vein. The umbilical v ein was used as an entry point for the portal vein catheter. The femor al artery was also catheterized. Calves were observed daily, and food intake was recorded. Body weight was recorded weekly. The carves were euthanatized, and necropsy was performed 2 weeks after surgery. Result s-Of the 9 calves. 7 recovered without surgical complications. Within 24 hours of surgery, 1 calf developed an intestinal hernia at the flan k incision that was surgically repaired without further complications. One calf was euthanatized a week after surgery because it developed s epticemia secondary to catheter-related infection. Conclusion-The bila teral subcostal approach provided access to the portal area, and the u mbilical vein was useful as an entry point. Application of an ultrason ic flow probe provided consistent measurements of blood flow over a 2- week period. Clinical Relevance-These results may have implications fo r development of treatment to promote gastrointestinal tract healing i n calves with diarrhea.