HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nelson, W. O. Articles by Kingwill, R. G. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Nelson, W. O. Articles by Kingwill, R. G.

Factors Affecting Ratios of C0₂: CH₄ in Bovine Rumen Gas

Department of Dairy Science, University of Illinois, Urbana

ABSTRACT

On the basis of several categories of evidence which indicate that the C0₂ reduction system is the major pathway of rumen methanogenesis, it can be postulated that the ratio of C0₂: CH₄ in rumen gas can be altered by increasing the H₂ pressure in the rumen. Similarly, if acetate appreciably contributes to rumen methane, the addition of D-limonene, which inhibits acetate-utilizing methane bacteria (1, 2), also should alter the C0₂:CH₄ ratio. Data from experiments designed to measure the ratios of C0₂: CH₄ in rumen gas as affected by ration and digestive chronology, and to describe the effects of added H₂ and D-limonene on these ratios, are reported herein.

All trials were performed with a 12-yr.-old Guernsey cow except those involving the use of H₂, which were conducted on a 4-yr.-old Holstein cow. Both animals were fitted with a plastic cannula. Feed was withheld for 12 hr. prior to each trial.

¹ N.I.R.D., Shinfield, Reading, England.