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 Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Huntington, G. B. Articles by Reynolds, P. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Huntington, G. B. Articles by Reynolds, P. J.

Net Volatile Fatty Acid Absorption in Nonlactating Holstein Cows¹

Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory, Animal Science Institute, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705

ABSTRACT

Net absorption of volatile fatty acids was measured in four nonlactating Holstein cows fed orchardgrass-clover silage ad libitum and 50 g trace mineralized salt daily. Cows ranged in age from 2 to 4 yr and in body weight from 326 to 525 kg. Portal blood flow and volatile fatty acid concentrations of portal and arterial plasma were determined at 30-min (three cows) or 90-min (one cow) intervals for about 12 h. Mean portal blood flow was 836 liters/h. Mean volatile fatty acid concentrations of portal plasma and differences of portal-arterial concentrations were (mM): acetate 2.00, .67; propionate .264, .228; isobutyrate .022, .017; n-butyrate .057, .038; 2-methylbutyrate .017, .014; 3-methylbutyrate .007, .005; and n-valerate .012, .008. Mean net volatile fatty acid absorption was 682 mmol/h. Acetate and propionate accounted for 91% of net volatile fatty acid absorption on a molar basis and 85% on an energy basis. Net energy absorbed as volatile fatty acid was 5.43 Mcal/cow per day, which was about 35% of calculated metabolizable energy intake. Portal blood flow was maximal 1.5 h postfeeding, and net volatile fatty acid absorption was maximal 2.5 h postfeeding.

¹ Mention of a trade name, proprietary product, or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the US Department of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable.