Ultrasonographic examination of rumen in healthy non-descript goats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to establish ultrasonographic features of rumen in 20 numbers of healthy non-descript goats by using two-dimensional B-mode ultrasound scanner (SonorayDS 50 plus VET) with curvilinear probe. Ultrasonographic examination was performed on both sides of goats in a standing position with a frequency of 2.5-4.5 MHz. The rumen was examined from 8th to 12th intercostal spaces (ICSs) and flank on the left and from 12th ICS, flank on the right. The dorsal and ventral sacs of the rumen are differentiated based on longitudinal groove. The gas layer enveloped by an echogenic rumen wall and reverberation artifacts. The fiber mat appears as an echogenic mass with gas inclusions and ventral fluid layer was hypoechoic. The rumen wall thickness of gas layer, fiber mat and fluid layer were respectively 2.18 ± 0.44mm, 2.69 ± 0.39 mm and 2.34 ± 0.46mm.