Rumen Ecology/Animal Health

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Questions and Answers

Describe the rumen

It’s a dynamic, continuous fermentation compartment (aka changing its environment all the time.

The rumen provides a suitable environment for a variety of species, including :

Anaerobic bacteria, Protozoa and fungi

What is the rumen’s job?

It converts feed to microbial matter and fermentation end products.

rumen microorganisms can manufacture protein from non-protein nitrogen

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal rumen pH?

5.5-7 Signup and view all the answers

What are the fermented end products?

Volatile fatty acids, microbial proteins and B vitamins Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of structural carbohydrates in animal feed analysis?

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which components are found in Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF)?

Hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin (A) Signup and view all the answers

Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) includes which of the following?

Cellulose and lignin (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is crude protein in feed calculated?

Total nitrogen x 6.25 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of rumen degradable protein in ruminants?

Supports microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to rumen undegradable protein

It bypasses the rumen and is absorbed in the small intestine (C) Signup and view all the answers

Non-structural carbohydrates (NFC/NSC) are considered:

“The good stuff”; are soluble energy sources inside plant sources Signup and view all the answers

Structural carbohydrates make up:

The cell wall contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the general takeaway for identifying high-quality feed?

More cell contents and less cell wall structures (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does high dry matter content in feed indicate?

Less water content in the feed (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why can't animals be fed completely dry feeds?

It decreases nutrient availability (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the metabolized components of ingested plant material?

Volatile fatty acids, microbial proteins, rumen undegraded protein and indigestible organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What does a high proportion of indigestible organic matter indicate about the feed?

It is of lower quality (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of saliva in ruminal homeostasis?

Supplying bicarbonate to buffer rumen pH (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of feed increases saliva production in ruminants?

Roughage (C) Signup and view all the answers

How much saliva can a dairy cow produce per day?

250L Signup and view all the answers

What effect does increased microbial population in the rumen have on pH?

Lowers pH (C) Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation occurs in the rumen while a dairy cow is in milk?

Increased rumen mass and papillae (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of increased papillae in the rumen during lactation?

Maximize VFA absorption and utilization (C) Signup and view all the answers

High particle size in feed leads to:

More time ruminating and increased pH (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is acute rumen acidosis primarily caused by?

Grain overload and lactic acid buildup (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range of the rumen during acute rumen acidosis?

4.2–5.0 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the blood pH during acute rumen acidosis?

Decreases to 7.0–7.2 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term “dead rumen” mean?

That the rumen has reduced motility and metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes subacute rumen acidosis (SARA)?

No clinical signs, high starch intake, and mucosal damage (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the gastrointestinal tract may also suffer erosive changes due to SARA?

Cecum (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of low saliva production in dairy cattle?

Low feed intake and low milk production (C) Signup and view all the answers

What cytokines are released in the portal vein during SARA inflammation?

IL- 1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the rumen?

A dynamic compartment where continuous fermentation occurs.

Rumen inhabitants

Anaerobic bacteria, protozoa, and fungi.