Abomasal intubation of young calves.

A nonsurgical method for passing a tube into the abomasum of young calves was developed. The tube described may be used for infusion into, or sampling from, the abomasum. The tube was successfully passed into the abomasum of all eight calves used. In two calves two to four days old and in two neonatal calves (greater than 24 h old) reticular groove closure was stimulated by providing a suckling stimulus but in four neonatal calves, passage of the tube was successful without the suckling stimulus. Placement of the tip of the tube was verified by auscultation and, in two calves, by radiography.