ABSORPTION AND UTILIZATION OF VOLATILE FATTY ACIDS IN RUMINANTS

Abstract

VFA absorption was investigated in sheep and cattle nourished by intragastric infusions. No differences in absorption were observed between the mixtures of VFA studied. However, unlike osmotic pressure, pH affected the relative proportions of VFA found in the rumen. At pH 7.0 the proportions found resembled those infused; at pH 5.3 acetic acid was 10 molar percent higher. Key words: Ruminant, intragastric volatile fatty acid utilization