Short-Chain Fatty Acid Concentrations Posterior to the Stomach of Calves Fed Normal and Milk Diets

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Concentrations of short chain fatty acids in the small and large intestines and ceca of young calves fed different rations were compared. Total concentration of acids was negligible in small intestinal contents of calves on hay-grain and milk-type rations. There was an increase in the large intestine and cecum to approximately the level found in rumen contents in calves receiving hay-grain and milk plus 15% lactose. Milk and milk plus 5% lactose resulted in a significantly lower (P < .05) acid content in the large intestine and ceca. Acetic was the predominant short chain fatty acid in the lower tract in all rations except the high-lactose. In this ration acetic and lactic acids were in similar concentrations. There was a trend for pH values in the lower tract to be inversely proportional to concentrations of short chain fatty acids.