The Effect of the Administration of Various Fatty Acids on the Blood Ketone Levels of Ruminants

Abstract

Summary The oral administration of acetic acid is fasted, non-fasted or phlorhizinized goats did not result in an increase in blood ketones. Butyric, caproic, caprylic and capric acids administered orally caused increases in blood ketones of 5 to 10 mg. per cent. Maximum levels of ketones were usually reached in 15 min. for butyric acid and in 1 hr. for the other three acids. The greatest increases were observed with butyric and caproic acids. Values returned to normal in about 3 hr. Propionic, lauric, oleic, lactic or succinic acids, administered in equivalent amounts, caused no significant rise in blood ketones. Corn oil also gave negative results. Intravenous injection of acetic or butyric acids gave results similar to oral administration. Acetic acid caused no significant changes, while butyric acid caused rapid increases in blood ketones. Less acid was needed intravenously than orally to give comparable increases in blood ketones.