Effect of Intraruminal Infusion of Volatile Fatty Acids and Lactic Acid on Voluntary Hay Intake

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Abstract
Four rumen-fistulated cows were used to determine the effect of intraruminal infusion of certain rumen metabolites on voluntary hay consumption by dairy cows. The infusion of acetic acid significantly decreased daily hay consumption. When the acetic acid was supplied as the sodium salt or when partially neutralized to pH 5.0 with sodium hydroxide, there was only a small reduction in hay intake. There was no change in the blood sugar, ketones, CCO2 or pH. Propionic acid infusion did not result in a significant decrease in hay consumption, although the results were quite variable. Butyric acid caused only moderate decreases in voluntary hay intake. Infusion of lactic acid caused a slight decrease in the intake of hay and an increase in the per cent butyric acid in the rumen. Results of in vitro rate of cellulose digestion suggest that there is very little difference in the ability of the microorganisms to digest cellulose.