Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

296 CATTLE.
described as divided into numerous honeycomb-formed cells (they are
well represented at d, p. 291,) at the base of each of which are numerous
small secretory glands, which also furnish a considerable
quantity of mucus. The action of this stomach consists in first con-
tracting upon its contents ; and, in doing this, it forms the portion
just received from the rumen into the proper shape for its return up
the oesophagus, and covers it more completely with mucus ; then, by
a stronger and somewhat spasmodic action, it forces the pellet between
the pillars at the floor of the oesophagean canal, where'it is seized by
the muscles, that are so powerful at the base of the oBSophagus, and
which extend over this part of the canal, and is conveyed to the
mouth. The reticulum, expanding again, receives a new portion of
food from the rumen, and which had been forced over the valve by
the convulsive action of that viscus.
It is curious to observe the manner in which these acts are performed.
The cow, if lying, is generally found on her right side, in
order that the intestines, which are principally lodged on that side,
may not press upon and interfere with the action of the rumen.
After a pellet that has undergone the process of rumination is swallowed,
there is a pause of two or three seconds, during which the
cow is making a slow and deep inspiration. By means of this the
lungs are inflated and press on the diaphragm ;_ and the diaphragm
in its turn presses on both, the rumen and the reticulum, and assists
their action. Suddenly the inspiration is cut short by an evident
spasm ; it is the forcible ejection of the pellet from the reticulum, and
of a fresh quantity of food over the valvular fold, to enter the reticulum
as soon as it expands again. This spasmodic action is immediately
followed by the evident passage of the ball up the oesophagus to the
mouth. The spiral muscles of the oesophagus, with their fibres inter-
lacing each other, are admirably suited- to assist the ascenWs well
as the descent of the pellet of food.
THE DIFFICULTY OF PURGING CATTLE.
This account of the construction and function of the rumen will
throw considerable light on some circumstances not a little annoying
to the practitioner. It has been stated that a portion of the fluid
swallowed usually enters the rumen, and that the quantity which ac-
tually enters it depends a little perhaps on the will of the animal,
more on the manner in which the fluid was administered, but most
of all on some state of the constitution over which we have no control.
Accordingly it happens, and not unfrequently, and particularly under
some diseases of an inflammatory nature, and in which physic is imperatively
required, that although it is administered in a liquid form
and as gently as possible, the greater part or the whole of it enters
the rumen, and remains there totally inert. Dose after dose is ad-
ministered, until the practitioner is tired, or afraid to give more; and,