The effect of tertiary branched-chain carboxylic acids on the energy metabolism of sheep

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Abstract
1. The introduction of certain tertiary branched-chain carboxylic acids into the rumen of sheep, either by continuous infusion or by direct incorporation of the acids in the concentrate food mixture, had no effect on the oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production of the sheep. Methane production was depressed, the extent of the depression increasing with the molecular weight of the carboxylic acid.2. There was a small decrease in the apparent digestibility of the food and a small increase in urinary energy output.3. There was no significant increase in the metabolizable energy intake of the sheep. There was, however, a small increase in the amount of energy stored in the body. This small increase was about 84 % of the gross energy of the branched-chain acids added.4. It is concluded that any practical advantage to be gained from the addition of branched-chain carboxylic acids to the diet of ruminants remains unproven.