Rumen cannul design and production for cattle

This study aimed to produce rumen cannulas for cattle. Based on information in the literature and considering commercially available cannulas, cannulas were manufactured from materials suitable for animal health. In the first study, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tank fitting, used for water drainage and transfer, was used. For this purpose, a ready-made tank fitting was processed and cut to cannula size. A domed diaphragm rubber and cap were used to fabricate the rumen cannula side. Second study, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisol was then used in the second cannula. To shape the cannula, a metal mold was made for the cannula and its cap. These molds were heated in an oven at 180°C for 15 minutes, allowing the PVC plastisol to adhere to the mold. The mold was then heated again at 180°C for another 15 minutes before being cooled. The cooled mold was removed and the cannula was manufactured. Both cannulas were implanted in a 12-year-old, domestic crossbred female cow with an estimated live weight of 350 kg. The first cannula was not used because it fell out of the rumen within the first few days. Instead, the second, made of plastisol, was tested for three months. It did not affect the animal's feed and water intake, BCS, or rumen fluid leakage from the cannula. The plastisol cannula was then used for an in vitro gas study. This study was successfully completed and yielded good results. Our goal here was to ensure rumen cannula production using readily available materials. Despite some setbacks, results were achieved. However, some deficiencies were observed in both cannulas. Further studies are needed to address these deficiencies.