Changes in composition of the digesta along the alimentary tract of sheep

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Abstract
Twenty-one sheep fed at 12 hour intervals on equal meals of hay and concentrate were killed at intervals after feeding and the contents of specific portions of the alimentary tract examined. About 2/3 of the total contents of the tract were contained in the reticulo-rumen. Dry matter (D.M.) content of this organ fell from 75% of the total in the tract just after feeding to 60% of the total at 12 hours after feeding. D.M., ash and caloric concentrations were about 50% higher and N concentrations 90% higher in the omasum than in the reticulo-rumen. In the small intestine, D.M., ash and energy concentrations were 20, 30 and 10% higher, respectively than in the abomasum. N concentration was some 90% greater, this increase being maximal in the first part of the small intestine and falling off distally. The rise in intestinal N was due primarily to considerable addition of nitrogenous material in the proximal part, rather than to increased absorption of non-nitrogenous constituents there. Concentrations of D.M., ash and energy were 40, 50 and 30% greater in the cecum than in the small intestine, while N fell by 40%. Colon concentrations of D.M., ash, energy and N were higher than those in the cecum by 60, 35, 75 and 65% respectively.

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