Neonatal Lambs in a Gnotobiotic Environment

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted in which eight lambs were isolated into a gnotobiotic environment. Data from these lambs relative to digestive physiology were compared to those from conventional lambs of similar ages. Although the gnotobiotic lambs were generally contaminated by the 42nd day with one or more aerobic or facultative anaerobic bacteria, strict anaerobes or cellulolytic bacteria were not detected. A digestion trial showed that dry matter digestibility was depressed in both conventional and gnotobiotic lambs when an autoclaved, semi-purified diet was fed. Gnotobiotic lambs could not digest cellulose measured as acid detergent fiber in feed and feces. Slower increases in body weights, and reduced reticuloruminal and papillary development were observed in gnotobiotic lambs. Ruminal fluids from gnotobiotic lambs contained markedly less total VFA than did those from conventional lambs. Gnotobiotic lambs also had much higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in their perinephric fat. Average blood glucose levels were higher in the gnotobiotic lambs, however, these differences were small at 8 weeks of age. Serum cholesterol levels were considerably higher in the gnotobiotic lambs during the post-weaning period. Copyright © 1970. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1970 by American Society of Animal Science