Ruminant Nutrition and Protein Digestion

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What is required by rumen microbes to break down protein?

Rumen-degradable protein

Adequate carbohydrate for fermentation (correct)

Large amounts of soluble carbohydrate

Adequate source of ammonia

What is the primary purpose of Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP)?

To produce vitamins and minerals

To bypass the rumen and be digested in the intestines (correct)

To provide energy to the rumen microbes

To support the growth of rumen microbes

What happens to protozoal populations when rumen pH drops to around 5.5?

They decline markedly (correct)

They adapt to the new pH

They remain unaffected

They increase significantly

What is the main source of protein for ruminants?

Intestinal enzymatic digestion of microbes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP)?

To support the growth of rumen microbes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for the cow from microbial fermentation?

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) required by high-producing ruminants?

Because rumen microbial protein alone is not adequate for their needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of β-glucanase enzymes in microbial fermentation?

Digesting cellulose and hemicelluloses fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of ammonia for microbial growth?

Rumen-degradable protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fats in the rumen?

To provide a concentrated form of energy to the rumen microbes Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) in the dairy cow?

It is broken down in the intestines Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of vitamins in the diet of ruminants?

Vitamins A and D must be provided from the diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy from butyric acid in the rumen wall?

Ketones Signup and view all the answers

What is the resulting compound from protein digestion by microbial proteases and peptidases in the rumen?

Ammonia (NH3) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nitrogen for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen?

Ammonia (NH3) Signup and view all the answers

What is the driving force for the synthesis of microbial protein in the rumen?

Carbohydrate fermentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of glucose units released from microbial fermentation?

They are absorbed directly by the cow Signup and view all the answers

What are the two sources of protein for the dairy cow?

Microbial protein and Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP) Signup and view all the answers