Abstract
Chlorophyll levels in rumen contents from the dorsal and ventral sac were examined before alfalfa ingestion to determine the relationship of chloroplast particles to the onset of pasture bloat in cattle. Chlorophyll concentrations were significantly higher in cattle that subsequently bloated than in those that did not. The higher levels were observed in both the liquid and solid phases of rumen contents from cattle predisposed to bloat but the liquid phase showed a greater increase. Chlorophyll levels were uniformly distributed in the rumen with little or no difference between samples obtained from the ventral and dorsal sacs. In agreement with previous results, animals predisposed to bloat showed higher rates of gas production and greater buoyancy of particulate matter in prefeeding rumen fluid. The results suggest that chloroplast particles in the rumen have a slower rate of clearance in bloating animals than in nonbloating ones. Key words: Bloat, alfalfa, cattle, rumen, chlorophyll, chloroplast particles
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
