Aspects Of Digestive Physiology In Ruminants

This volume is comprised of invited papers presented at the Seventh International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology, held in Sendai, Japan, in September 1989. Papers are invited on the recommendations of 300 international experts. The proceedings of this symposia provides the most comprehensive coverage available of current research in ruminant physiology.

Fundamental research on sheep and cows has often provided answers to significant questions, not only for investigators of the gastrointestinal tract of ruminant and other species, but also for workers in practical areas such as world food supplies, animal husbandry, and medical practice. This book is an interdisciplinary survey of some of the most recent advances in ruminant research, especially on comparative aspects of the digestive tract. Fourteen articles by an international group of leading scientists cover a wide range of topics: comparative anatomy related to digestive function; microbial ecology; pathophysiology; neurophysiology; endocrinology; ionic transport; energy, intermediary, and mineral metabolism; and differential rate of flow of digesta.

Two questions could not be avoided in the avant-propos of this book; (i) what is the importance to man of ruminant livestock, and (ii) what results of practical relevance in the growing mountain of scientific verbiage could be found in the Proceedings of this Symposium. Herbivores are an integral and critical part of the natural ecosystem which must be preserved because of their impact on human welfare. Wh at makes ruminants especially important to man is that they can thrive on fibrous forage and are thus the only viable enterprise over much of the earth's surface where crop growing is impracti cable. They contribute a wide array of products in addition to 50000 000 tonnes ofmeat (1977) and represent a 'capital reserve' that can be drawn upon in times of emergency: milk for example (450000000 tonnes) can make the difference between subsistence and starvation. About 60% of the world's meat and 80 % of the milk are produced by one third of the world ruminant population in the developed regions and as much as 99 % of the power for agriculture is provided by the ruminant population in developing countries. For the next two decades, a probable increase by 30 % for . cattle and buffalo and more than 40 % for sheep and goats is expected by improving health, fertility, nutrition and genetic potential rather than feed resources.

Excellent for its quality and in-depth coverage! This volume represents a compilation of important information on major topics related to nutrient requirements and nutrient metabolism among ruminants. This outstanding collection facilitates the dissemination of this ever-growing body of knowledge and is a valuable tool for achieving a more complete understanding of the subject. An abundance of photographs, diagrams, and tables illustrate and reinforce the text, serving to enhance student comprehension.