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Some effects of potassium chlorate administration on in vitro and in vivo rumen fermentation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

T. N. Barry ,
F. J. Harte ,
B. N. Perry  and
D. G. Armstrong
T. N. Barry
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
F. J. Harte
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
B. N. Perry
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
D. G. Armstrong
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
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Summary

Hay was fed to an in vitro continuous culture of the rumen microbial population and to sheep kept in metabolism cages, and the effects of potassium chlorate addition on the rumen fermentation were studied. The compound was given for 8 days in vitro and for either 3 or 8 days in vivo.

Potassium chlorate addition in vitro (13·7 mg/g hay D.M.) depressed the production of CH4 and acetate, had little effect on propionate production and caused a small increase in the production of n-butyrate and n-valerate. The treatment also depressed cellulose digestion and the concentration of DNA in fermentor liquor, but increased the CO2:CH4 ratio in fermentor gas.

When given in vivo for 8 days at 6·7 mg/g hay D.M., potassium chlorate progressively depressed total VFA concentration in rumen fluid, had no effect on VFA molar proportions but caused a small increase in the CO2:CH4 ratio in rumen gas. When administered in vivo for 3 days at 14·4–15·3 mg/g hay D.M. the treatment increased the molar proportions of propionate and depressed those of acetate in rumen fluid without affecting total VFA concentration. There were considerable differences between animals in propionate response, and the maximum responses were generally obtained 2–5 days after dosing had ceased. Potassium chlorate addition also caused a temporary reduction in appetite with some sheep.

It was concluded that potassium chlorate was toxic to the rumen microbial population when given for 8 days, but that large doses given over 3 days could be used to increase the ratio of propionic acid relative to acetic and butyric acids produced from the rumen fermentation.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 90 , Issue 2 , April 1978 , pp. 345 - 353
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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