A technique for the estimation of energy expenditure in sheep

Abstract

An endotracheal flow divider is described which permits sheep to inhale via the nasopharynx and exhale through an expiratory valve at the level of the trachea. The technique is applied to the measurement of oxygen consumption in feeding sheep, and results are reported which show that preservation of air flow through the nasopharynx eliminates the disturbances to respiratory pattern and feed intake associated with intubation techniques which by-pass this region.