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Volatile fatty acids are the main energy source for runimants, providing approximately 70% of the total enegy requirements. They are used primarily by the microorganisms for reproduction and growth, with the excess production being used by the ruminant itself.  

Volatile fatty acids are the main energy source for runimants, providing approximately 70% of the total enegy requirements. They are used primarily by the microorganisms for reproduction and growth, with the excess production being used by the ruminant itself.  

The three main volatile fatty acids produced in ruminants are acetic acid, butyric acid and propanoic acid.

The three main volatile fatty acids produced in ruminants are '''acetic acid''', '''butyric acid''' and '''propanoic acid'''.

==Acetic acid==

==Acetic acid==

[[Image:VFA Graph.jpg|thumb|right|150px|VFA Graph- Copyright RVC 2008]]

[[Image:VFA Graph.jpg|thumb|right|250px|VFA Graph- Copyright RVC 2008]]

*50-60%

50-60% is acetic acid. It predominates on a high-roughage diet and is a precursor for mammalian milk fat. Some is also used for muscle metabolism and body fat. The molecular formula is, '''CH3.COOH'''.

 

*Predominates on a high-roughage diet

 

*Precursor for mammalian milk fat  

 

*Some used for muscle metabolism

 

*Some used for body fat

 

*CH3.COOH

==Propanoic Acid==

==Propanoic Acid==

*12-18%

12-18% is propanoic acid. It predominates on a high concentrate diet and provides energy via the conversion of blood glucose in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]. It is used in lactose (milk sugar) synthesis. The molecular formula is, '''CH3.CH2.COOH'''.

 

*Predominates on a high concentrate diet

 

*Provides energy via the conversion of blood glucose in the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]

 

*Used in lactose (milk sugar) synthesis

 

*CH3.CH2.COOH

==Butyric Acid==

==Butyric Acid==

*18-20%

18-20% is butyric acid. It provides energy to the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] wall and is used in milk fat synthesis and for body fat, when excess energy is present in the diet. It doesn't vary in proportion to other volatile fatty acids, therefore has little influence in milk fat content. The molecular formula is, CH3.CH2.CH2.COOH.

Click here for the [[The Stomachs of the Ruminant - Anatomy & Physiology - Flashcards#The Rumen|stomachs of the ruminant flashcards]].

 

*Used for body fat when excess energy is present in the diet

 

 

 

 

 

[[The Stomachs of the Ruminant - Anatomy & Physiology - Flashcards#The Rumen|The Stomachs of the Ruminant Flashcards]]

 

[[Rumenal Acidosis|Acidosis]]

Click here for more information on [[Rumenal Acidosis|acidosis]].

[[Category:Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology]]

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