[Ruminal drinkers and clay defecators].

In this clinical lecture, attention is drawn to the phenomenon of young milk-fed calves showing irregular appetites and recurrent bloat. These patients often produce faeces which are too dry and too light in colour. These symptoms are preceded by inadequate closing of the oesophageal groove during milk intake, which causes an inflow of milk into the rumen rather than into the abomasum. The present authors introduced the term 'Ruminal Drinkers' to describe this type of patient. The identification of ruminal drinkers as well as the clinical findings are reviewed. The effects of ruminal drinking, the therapy indicated and a number of preventive measures are discussed.