Director of the “Feed-Gut Microbiota Interaction” department at the University of Hohenheim

The direct insight into the rumen and a part of the forestomach system offers us scientists an enormous gain in researching the interaction between the cow and the millions and millions of microorganisms that it harbors in her digestive tract.

We know from research that the microorganisms in the digestive tract have an immense influence on the animal. The interplay between the cow and her microbiome determines what type of feed she utilizes and how well, whether she produces gases such as methane that affect the climate, whether the cow is susceptible to disease, or whether she feels well overall.

This has opened up a large research area that provides us with answers if we want to promote animal welfare and animal health or, for example, look for alternative, resource-saving feed sources. 

Much of this interaction is still unknown to us. Thanks to the opening shown, the “black box” rumen can be explored in greater depth. The rumen contents obtained through the opening can be used for various test procedures, which we carry out “in vitro,” i.e. in the laboratory. 

These tests provide an initial insight into the processes involved in feed efficiency and the microorganisms involved, while at the same time reducing the use of laboratory animals.

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Responsible experimental technician at the “Animal Nutrition” department, University of Hohenheim

If you want to do research with and on cows, constant access to the rumen is very important. The access is similar to a human stoma, i.e. an artificial anus. It is implanted by way of an operation. 

For the cows, access after healing is painless even with the sampling shown here and does not cause any discomfort. For example, the cow continued to eat calmly while this picture was taken.

The skin area around the inserts is cleaned daily, creamed, and protected with a soft foam rubber.

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Research associate at the department of “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources,” University of Hohenheim, member in the sustainability group

A few years ago, we visited the fistula cow with the sustainability working group – an experience that made an impression on me up until the present day. 

Professor Markus Rodehutscord and a member of staff patiently explained to us how the fistula is attached, maintained, and used. After attending many lectures on nutrition and the digestive tract of cows during my Bachelor's degree, it was fascinating to see all this up close – and irritating at the same time. On the one hand there was scientific curiosity, on the other hand there was unease that an animal was being used for research.

I take a very critical view of animal testing and am also torn in this case. What I take away from the visit, however, is the importance of open conversations about difficult topics – and the experience that honest listening can help to understand other perspectives and endure objections.

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