Production and Absorption of Organic Acids by the Perfused Goat Rumen.

Abstract

Rumina from 2 goats fed mixed hay and concentrate were perfused with a pump-oxygenator following the addition of propionate-1-C14 to the rumen contents of 1 and of n-butyrate-l-Cl4 to the other. Relative rates of production and absorption into the blood perfusate of rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) were acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate. Conversion of butyrate within the rumen to acetate, propionate and valerate occurred. Direct absorption of acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate occurred as indicated by the specific activities of these acids in blood and rumen fluid. The label from propionate was not found in blood lactic acid. The label from butyrate was found in blood in the order of butyrate, lactate, propionate, acetate, valerate. Only traces were found in blood [beta]-hydroxybutyrate.