Rumen motility in sheep and cattle given different diets

Rumen A and B type contractions were monitored for 24 h periods in sheep and cows given fresh and conserved forage diets. Diet had a minor. effect on contraction frequency in both species. Mean rates of contraction were similar for sheep and cows, with A sequences averaging 1.1O/min and B sequences averaging 0.62/min. Sheep and cows differed in diurnal patterns of contraction frequency and in relation to jaw activity. The ratio of A:B sequence contractions was similar throughout the day in cows, but B sequence frequency declined progressively after feeding in sheep.