Digestion and Absorption of Various Carbohydrates Posterior to the Ruminoreticular Area of the Young Bovine

Abstract

Three young ruminating dairy calves with ruminal and cecal fistulas were fed four experimental diets directly into the omaso-abomasal cavity to determine the ability to digest and absorb carbohydrates from four sources: glucose, maltose, starch and corn. Digestibility studies and blood reducing sugar levels indicated that glucose was readily absorbed and maltose was readily (hydrolyzed and) absorbed. Similar criteria demonstrated very little digestion of starch and of carbohydrate of corn. In absorption studies with isolated visceral sections it was noted that glucose was absorbed readily from the jejunum and ileum while the rumen and cecum were less efficient; however, all sections absorbed glucose. Copyright © . .