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1.1 Nitrogen Metabolism in the Rumen

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

P. J. Buttery  and
D. Lewis
P. J. Buttery
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, nr. Loughborough, Leicestershire, LH12 5RD
D. Lewis
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, nr. Loughborough, Leicestershire, LH12 5RD
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Extract

The concept that the protein reaching the duodenum of a ruminant comprises of two major components, feed and microbial, has been accepted for many years but recently there has been considerable interest in attempts to define and quantify those processes which have an influence on the quantity and quality of this protein. The main reason for this is the desire to predict accurately the total flow of protein to the duodenum when a particular diet is fed. The ability to do this, coupled with a refinement of knowledge on the needs of the animal, are essential steps in improving the efficiency with which ruminants are fed. This review examines some of the factors which control the breakdown of dietary protein and the synthesis of microbial protein in the rumen. The lack of space has prevented discussion of many important topics, for example, the contribution of endogenous proteins to the total protein entering the duodenum. Many reviews have been published in this area (see Egan, 1980; Demeyer and Van Nevel, 1980; others are referred to in the text).

Type
1. Interrelationships Between Nitrogen and Energy Metabolism in Ruminants
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 6: Forage Protein in Ruminant Animal Production , 1982 , pp. 1 - 11
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1982

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