Further observations on the effects of intraruminal infusions of volatile fatty acids and of lactic acid on the yield and composition of the milk of the cow

Abstract

The characteristically different effects of continuous intraruminal infusions of acetic, propionic or butyric acid on the yield and composition of the milk of the cow were described in an earlier publication (Rook & Balch, 1961). This paper reports further experiments to determine, with cows, the effects on milk yield and composition of infusions of these acids when given at high levels of addition or given in combination one with another, and whether the responses to additions vary with the diet of the cow. Some observations are also reported on the effects of intraruminal infusions of n-and iso-valeric acids, given singly and in combination, of lactic acid and of formic acid on milk yield and composition.