Distension of the reticulum decreased food but not water intake by sheep

Summary The intakes of pelleted alfalfa by hungry sheep were depressed in a rectilinear manner in relation to the amount of water (0–800 ml) added to a balloon in the reticulum (p<0.005). Since the consumption of water by thirsty sheep was not altered by these treatments, the reduction in food intake produced by distending the reticulum was a specific response. The intakes of food were not significantly affected by distending the rumen with 800 ml water in a balloon so it is possible that the amount of fill in the reticulum rather than in the rumen may be important in signalling satiery in sheep.Acknowledgments. The technical assistance of Karen Gordon and funding from the National Research Council of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food are gratefully acknowledged.