Clinical chemical comparative examination of ruminal samples collected by means of a naso-ruminal sampler.

Samples of ruminal fluid collected with the COMET naso-ruminal sampler and by two other methods through fistula were subjected to comparative clinical chemical examination. It was found that the mean values of pH and buffer capacity were nearly identical for all three methods. The greatest variation between the methods were found for reduction time of methylene blue owing to different dry matter contents in the samples. The VFA contents were nearly identical in all three samples. In conclusion, it was found that it is possible to obtain ruminal samples that are representative of the biochemical status in the rumen by means of the COMET naso-ruminal sampler in non-fistulated cows.