A fistula surgery is performed on cows to provide researchers access to the rumen. The procedure involves sedating the cow, making a circular incision in the left side where the rumen is located, and inserting a cannula. Post-surgery, the cannula allows access to the rumen to evaluate digestibility, microbe populations, and provide rumen fluid to sick animals while having minimal impacts on the cow's life and abilities.

1. Operation Fistula By: Jennifer Babich, KatlynHafner, Grant Loranger, Abigail Ramirez, Colleen Vana

2. An intentional hole made in the cow’s rumen to perform research on the digestive process What is a fistula?

4. Allow access to water

5. Administer an antibiotic 24 hours prior to surgery

6. Place cannula in hot water bath for softening

7. Restrain animal, shave and disinfect surgical siteProcedure: pre operation

9. Cow is sedated

10. Circular incision is made on the left side, where the rumen is

11. Insert cannula into the fistulaSurgical procedure

13. Remove cannula to remove sutures two weeks after surgery and replace cannula

14. Once healed, cannula must be replaced once every yearProcedure: post surgery

16. Assess microbe population in the rumen

17. Serve as rumen fluid donors to sick animals

18. Evaluate digestive systemWhy?

20. Access to optimal nutrition

21. Doesn’t affect progression of life

22. Still have the ability to reproduce and lactate

24. Make marks for the incision (place fistula on cow and trace inner circle onto skin

25. Cut the hole through the side of the cow through the skin (fabric) and the cardboard (rumen).

26. Keep in mind not to puncture the lumen (balloon) otherwise you will be disqualified

27. Suture the fistula to the skin (tape the fistula in the proper place)

28. Insert cannulaYou will have 45 seconds to complete this task to the best of your abilities.