Technical Note: Improved technique for fitting pigs with steered ileocecal valve cannulas1,2

Collection of ileal digesta to evaluate AA digestibilities has become increasingly important in swine nutrition research. Steered ileocecal valve cannulation of pigs permits total collection of ileal digesta, while still allowing normal digesta flow during noncollection periods. This technique was modified and used with 64 crossbred barrows in five trials. Our procedural changes included preoperative i.v. administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, sharp incision through the muscle layers of the laparotomy wound, use of a heparinized saline lavage solution, replacement of the guide ring with a stylette, and fixing the outer cannula barrel in place with a hose clamp. The current technique involves a right flank laparotomy, parallel and distal to the last rib, with the pig under general anesthesia. A stainless-steel ring (inner ring = 2.0 mm thick, 35.0 mm i.d.) is introduced into the ileal lumen through an enterotomy proximal to the origin of the ileocecal fold. A nylon string attached to this ring is threaded through the ileum and ileocecal valve into the cecum using a silastic stylette, which encases the string. A second stainless-steel ring (outer ring = 2.0 mm thick, 34 mm o.d.) is fixed in place around the ileum, distal to the inner ring and just proximal to the ileocecal valve. A polyurethane cannula barrel (barrel = 100 mm long, 26 mm i.d., 32 mm o.d.; flange = 70 mm o.d.) is introduced into the cecal lumen via an enterotomy through the lateral cecal band and secured in place with two purse-string sutures. The cannula is exteriorized through an incision caudal and proximal to the intial laparotomy site, where it is plugged using a cylindrical stopper (26 mm o.d., 55 mm long) and held in place by a second cannula barrel (barrel = 43 mm length, 33 mm i.d., 41 mm o.d.; flange = 80 mm o.d.). Procedural changes decreased postsurgical complications, as evidenced by decreased seepage around the cannula and fewer and less severe adhesions noted at necropsy. Based on five trials, this technique is a reliable means of collecting ileal digesta for nutrient analyses.