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Technique for Determining the Ability of the Reticulo-Rumen of Young Calves to Absorb Volatile Fatty Acids at Controlled pH¹

Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames

ABSTRACT

A technique utilizing conscious, fistulated calves has been developed which measures the ability of the rumen to absorb volatile fatty acids (VFA) at various stages of its development. An esophageal catheter is used to prevent saliva from entering the rumen. The normal rumen contents are replaced by a modified Krebs-Ringer-phosphate containing VFA and polyethylene glycol (PEG), a nonabsorbable marker. Rumen pH is controlled, in a range of ± 0.2 unit, at values between 5.0 and 7.4 by addition of phosphoric acid to the rumen, and between 7.4 and 8.0 by means of sodium hydroxide. Absorption is determined over a 3-hr period by relating the change in concentration of VFA to the change in concentration of PEG in the test solution.

¹ Journal Paper No. J-4445 of the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa. Project No. 1324.