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The "In Vitro" Conversion of Inorganic Nitrogen to Protein by Microorganisms from the Cow's Rumen^*

Departments of Biochemistry and Dairy Husbandry, College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

ABSTRACT

1. Evidence is presented through "in vitro" experiments that conversion of inorganic nitrogen to protein can occur through the use of bacteria from the cow's rumen.
   
2. Bacterial activity, and hence conversion, is dependent on the pH of the media, the optimum range being 5.5 to 7.
   
3. The carbohydrates used in the media were of equal efficiency in influencing conversion, with the exception of cellulose which was not an acceptable carbohydrate for these studies.
   
4. NH₄HCO₃ is as efficient as urea in the rate of utilization by rumen organisms.
   
5. The decrease in NH₃ can be accounted for by an increase in protein nitrogen.
   
6. The level of protein in the media has a negative influence on the decrease in NH₃ - N.
   
7. Amylolytic activity of rumen liquid has been demonstrated, with only slight activity in the saliva itself.
   
8. Proteolytic activity of cow's saliva is absent.
   

^* Published with the approval of the Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station. This research is part of the larger problem of the utilization of inorganic nitrogen by polygastric animals. We are grateful to E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company for financial assistance in the study of this problem.