Object number
51/380/1-2
Description
Instrument used for making an insertion into the rumen (the first stomach) of cattle when the abdomen became distended with gases, or 'blown'.
This instrument was used for making an insertion into the rumen (the first stomach) of cattle when the abdomen became distended with gases, or 'blown'. It consists of the trochar, a steel spike, and the canula, a metal sleeve with a collar at the handle end. The instrument would be plunged into the distended rumen and the trochar removed, leaving the canula to act as a vent for the escaping gases. Prior to its invention, the stockman would enable the gases to escape by stabbing the animal in the rumen. This one was used at Whiteknights, Reading, around 1900.
Physical description
1 trochar and canula: metal (brass); good condition
Archival history
Photocopy of archive item – Shire Album No. 40, The Country Animal Doctor by Arthur Ingram [PB4340 MERL] – 'Overeating wet luxuriant clover, rape or frosted turnips often produced in cattle and sheep a condition known as hoven, blown or tympanites, in which the left side of the abdomen became greatly distended with gases. A mixture of linseed and castor oils was considered efficacious, but in several cases more drastic action was required to reduce internal pressures rapidly. Old stockmen would simply plunge their clasp knife into the animal’s rumen, allowing the gases to escape. However, a more sophisticated instrument was marketed for use in such situations. This was the trochar and canula. The trochar was a steel spike about 8 inches (200mm) in length (although this was variable), set in a 4 inch (100mm) wooden handle. Fitting the shaft of the spike exactly was the canula, a metal sleeve with a collar at the handle end. The instrument was plunged into the distended rumen and the trochar was removed, leaving the canula to act as a vent for the escaping gases.'
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1899-12-31
Production period
Nineteenth century
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_414.tif - High resolution image
