SURGICAL CANNULATION OF PROXIMAL DUODENUM IN STEERS

Different procedures are utilized to determine aspects of digestibilit y and absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminan ts. In order to evaluate a simplified technique, ten six-month old hol stein steers, weighing 138 kg average, were submitted to cannulation o f the proximal duodenum. Double L-shapped cannulas were constructed fr om PVC pipe and fittings. The cannula device and enteropexy has been a simple and inexpensive option for experimental duodenum cannulation i n steers. Inspecting and clearing the cannula each 48 hour period is f undamental for patency maintenance.