Difference between revisions of "Volatile Fatty Acids"
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
| − | 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|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 | + | 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'''. | ||
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[[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% | + | 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'''. |
==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'''. |
==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'''. |
==Links== | ==Links== | ||
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| + | Click here for the [[The Stomachs of the Ruminant - Anatomy & Physiology - Flashcards#The Rumen|stomachs of the ruminant flashcards]]. | ||
Click here for more information on [[Rumenal Acidosis|acidosis]]. | Click here for more information on [[Rumenal Acidosis|acidosis]]. | ||
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[[Category:Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology]] | [[Category:Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:To Do - AimeeHicks]][[Category:To Do - Review]] |
Revision as of 19:19, 29 December 2010
Introduction
Microbes in the rumen ferment carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids which are absorbed through the rumen wall into the blood stream. Some of the volatile fatty acids are lost during 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.
The three main volatile fatty acids produced in ruminants are acetic acid, butyric acid and propanoic acid.
Acetic acid
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.
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. It is used in lactose (milk sugar) synthesis. The molecular formula is, CH3.CH2.COOH.
Butyric Acid
18-20% is butyric acid. It provides energy to the 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
Click here for the stomachs of the ruminant flashcards.
Click here for more information on acidosis.