摘要：Background and Objective: The effects of rumen mechanical stimulating (RMS) brushes on the health of Brahman crossbred steers were determined by measuring blood parameters and examining the rumen wall. Materials and Methods: This study used twenty Brahman crossbred steers divided into control and RMS groups. The steers were given low-forage diets (95.5% concentrate and 4.5% maize stover) based on 3% dry matter by body weight. The installation of RMS was conducted by a professional. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment from the coccygeal vein for blood profile and immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurements. The steers were slaughtered at the 93rd day of the experiment, samples of the rumen wall were collected and rumen histological observations were made. Results: The results showed that the RMS brush administration did not affect the hematocrit, hemoglobin (Hb), number of red blood cells (RBC), number of white blood cells (WBC) or IgG (p>0.05). However, there was a significant increase in neutrophils (p<0.05). The steers with RMS had a higher ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (p<0.05). Even though the treatment affected the neutrophil count and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes, these values were in a normal range. The results of the rumen gross anatomy and histology observations showed that there was no tissue damage of the rumen, thus, it is in a normal state. Conclusion: The data indicate that the RMS brush utilization in steers does not result in adverse effects on the health of steers as measured by blood profiles, IgG concentrations and rumen histology.
