Digestion in ruminants Flashcards
How does ruminants accomplish cellulose digestion?
Indirectly through the microorganisms growing in the GIT, particularly in the forestomach.
What does the microorganisms provide?
The essential cellulase enzymes to decompose plant material.
What does microorganisms produce?
Many nutrients required bu polygastric animals.
What is fermentation?
The process within a ruminant’s stomach in which FFA, protein, vitamins and other nutrients are synthesized to mee the metabolic demand.
What is normal physiological colour of rumen fluid?
Green
Bright/yellowish colour of rumen fluid is a sign for?
Acidosis
Dark colour of rumen fluid is a sign for?
Alkalosis
Trace of…….. in ruminal fluid is pathogenic?
Blood
What is pH of ruminal fluid?
6,2-6,8
Which temperature is needed for microorganisms to function?
39-41 C
What environment is needed for microorganisms to survive?
strictly anaerobic
How many species of MO’s are found in ruminal fluid?
200 species
Two main types of MO’s in rumen?
Cilliata and flagellata
Types of cilliated MO’s?
Holotricha –> all over body
Entodiniomorpha –> cillia in branches (diplodinium, entodinium, epidinium)
Other name for protozoa?
Infusaria
How many MO’s in rumen?
200-400 x 10^6 /mL
Which types of MO’s in rumen?
Bacteria Protozoa Yeast Mold Fungi
How is reduction test of ruminal fluid performed?
Add methylen blue to ruminal fluid and put in tempered bath. Measure time for decomposition of MB.
Living/moving protozoa will reduce the colour of methylen blue. Dead will not decomposite it = blue colour.
How many species of bacteria in rumen?
200 species
Function of bacteria?
Utilization of starch
Number of bacteria in rumen?
10^9 - 10^12 / 1 mL of ruminal fluid
How is amount of bacterias regulated?
Protozoas eat bacteria and regulate amount
Function of yeast?
Use oxygen, help maintaining anaerobic environment.
How much Volatile FA are produced in rumen / day?
2-4,5 kg. Saccharides –> pyruvate –> Volatile FA–> lactic acid
