The formation and distribution of methylamine in the ruminant digestive tract

Abstract

Methylamine has been found in the rumen fluid of sheep and cattle in amounts as high as 16 mg. of N/L and identified by chromatography and conversion into N-methyl-2,4-dinitroaniline. Methylamine appeared in the rumen after a variety of diets had been given, and disappeared completely some hours later. As with ammonia, part of the methylamine was metabolized in the rumen, but unlike ammonia the rate of utilization was not increased by the addition of glucose. Large quantities of ammonia but not methylamine were produced when soluble casein was added to the rumen. The maximum methylamine: ammonia ratio found was 1.53. Methylamine was present in the contents of the digestive tract as far caudal as the ileum, but unlike ammonia did not appear to be produced in any region except the rumen.