Abstract
SummaryFive rumen-cannulated sheep were given a diet of ground barley, ground hay and flaked maize in quantities which were increased progressively throughout the period of study. The rumen concentration of total short-chain fatty acids increased (P < 0·05) and the pH decreased (P< 0·05) as the level of feeding was raised and pH was correlated with the fatty acid concentration. There were no systematic effects of the level of feeding on the volume, outflow rate or clearance rate of the rumen liquid phase or on the ruminal concentration of ammonia. The molar percentage of acetic acid in the rumen fluid tended to decrease as the level of feeding was raised and there were compensatory increases in the percentage of propionic acid. However, there were wide variations in the composition of the mixture of rumen acids between sheep at each level of feeding and changes in fermentation pattern with level of feeding were not consistent between animals.A broad inverse relationship was observed between the molar percentage of propionic acid and the clearance rate of the rumen liquid phase which supports the suggestion that there is an important association between the pattern of fermentation in the rumen and the liquid clearance rate.
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.
