Evaluation of rumen probe for continuous monitoring of rumen pH, temperature and pressure
R. Kaur A B , S. C. Garcia A , A. Horadagoda A and W. J. Fulkerson AA Dairy Science Group, M.C. Franklin Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: r.jhajj@usyd.edu.au
Animal Production Science 50(2) 98-104 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN09048
Submitted: 16 March 2009 Accepted: 14 October 2009 Published: 11 February 2010
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a commercially available wireless rumen probe by Kahne Limited (New Zealand) for continuous pH, temperature and pressure measurements under different ruminal conditions. In a 4 by 4 latin square design, rumen-fistulated sheep were fed diets comprising 0, 30 or 60% concentrate, with the rest of the diet being balanced for metabolisable energy and protein with maize silage and lucerne hay. Each experimental period was 10 days with the first 8 days for adaptation and the last 2 days for collection of rumen fluid samples. In the first experimental period, probes were left in the rumen of sheep for 10 days to observe drift in pH. In the other three periods, probes were repeatedly cleaned and recalibrated before each sampling period. Probes were set to read every 20 min while the samples of rumen fluid were withdrawn manually at 4-h intervals and pH recorded immediately. There was an upward drift in pH observed after 48 h of insertion of probes into the rumen. This study resulted in a minor level of agreement between the two methods as indicated by higher root mean prediction error (0.43 pH units), lower Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r = 0.46) and concordance correlation coefficient (0.46). In conclusion, these rumen probes need further advancement to be potentially used for continuous rumen pH measurements for research purposes.
Acknowledgement
This study was a part of FutureDairy, an industry-driven project primarily sponsored by Dairy Australia, The University of Sydney and the Department of Primary Industries NSW, Australia.
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