TOPOGRAPHICAL AND BIOMETRICAL INVESTIGATION OF DIGESTIVE TRACT OF WHITE NEW ZEALAND RABBIT

Abstract

This study was conducted with a view to establish the normal dimensions of the different segments of the digestive tract of New Zealand White Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). A total of 5 rabbits of both sexes were used in this study. Following dissection, using routine anatomical techniques, the exact positions of the segments of digestive tract were determined. Different segments of the digestive tracts of domestic rabbits, i.e. esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine were measured using calibrated scale, thread, electric balance and normal balance. The mean lengths of the small intestine and large intestine were 169.53 ± 21.65 and 132.3 ± 17.42 cm respectively. The mean lengths of esophagus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum were 9.62 ± 1.64, 41.26 ± 4.06, 106.60 ± 14.64, 21.64 ± 46.32, 41.14 ± 2.82, 83.16 ± 13.74 and 8.0 ± 1.08 cm respectively. The mean diameter of esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum were 1.16 ± 0.12, 10.47 ± 1.21, 1.71 ± 0.11, 1.70 ± 0.09, 1.73 ± 0.05, 5.47 ± 0.15, 3.36 ± 0.16 and 2.81 ± 0.24 cm respectively. The weight of the whole digestive tract was 263.60 ± 56.80 gm. The results of the present study are considered to be of assistance in diagnostics and clinical work.