Amino Acid Metabolism of Bovine Rumen Bacteria

Abstract

Of 22 amino acids tested, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, arginine, cysteine, and cystine were found to be attacked by prepared suspensions of mixed rumen microorganisms. The principal degradation products detected were carbon dioxide, ammonia, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. The opt. pH for amino acid dissimilation appeared to be 6.9. A marked enhancement of amino acid dissimilation by a fermentable carbohydrate was demonstrated. The presence of maltose, cellobiose, and glucose significantly increased the production of ammonia and carbon dioxide from aspartic acid. The production of ammonia from glutamic acid, serine, arginine, cysteine, and cystine was similarly affected by the presence of maltose.