Changes

Microbes in the rumen ferment carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids which are absorbed through the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] wall into the blood stream. Some of the volatile fatty acids are lost during [[Eructation - Anatomy & Physiology|eructation]].  

Microbes in the rumen ferment carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids which are absorbed through the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] wall into the blood stream. Some of the volatile fatty acids are lost during [[Eructation - Anatomy & Physiology|eructation]].  

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 ruminants, providing approximately 70% of the total energy 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'''.

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

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

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'''.

50-60% of VFAs produced 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'''.

==Propanoic Acid==

==Propanoic Acid==

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'''.

12-18% of VFAs produced 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'''.

==Butyric Acid==

==Butyric Acid==

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'''.

18-20% of VFAs produced 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'''.

==Links==

==Links==

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