Rumen Volatile Acids of Normal, Ketotic, and Fasted Cows

Abstract

The low concentration of volatile acids and the relatively high proportion of acetic acid and low proportion of propionic acid frequently observed in rumen fluid from cows with ketosis can also be observed in rumen fluid from cows from which feed has been withheld from 18 to 24 hours. The total amount and relative proportions of volatile acids in rumen fluid from ketotic cows with normal appetites are of the same magnitude as those from healthy cows. The occurrence of volatile acids in abnormal amounts in the rumen fluid from cows with ketosis can be attributed to a partial fasting condition resulting from anorexia which usually accompanies ketosis.