ESOPHAGEAL FISTULATION OF SHEEP FOR SHAM FEEDING STUDIES

Esophageal fistulae suitable for sham feeding studies were produced in 19 sheep. A new plug design, surgical techniques and maintenance procedures including a method for reducing the size of large fistulae are described. The technique was more successful with older sheep than with lambs. Key words: Sheep, esophageal fistulae, sham feeding, techniques