Studies on rumen metabolism. II.—in vivo hydrolysis and hydrogenation of lipid

Abstract

The hydrolysis and hydrogenation of grass and clover lipids and linseed oil have been followed in fistulated twin cows. Mono‐ and di‐glycerides, in addition to fatty acids, were found in the rumen liquor after infusion of linseed oil into the rumen. The proportions of linoleic acid found in rumen liquor 6.5 h. after infusion of linseed oil were above normal, but the proportions of linolenic acid had returned to about the pre‐feeding level in this time. The free fatty acids were more saturated than the unhydrolysed triglycerides, but the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids in the partially hydrolysed glycerides were not greatly different to those of the triglycerides.