Absorption of Organic Acids from the Omasum,

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Abstract
Absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) from the omasum of 3- or 5-months-old calves was studied by a slaughter technique and by injection of sodium-n-butyrate-lCl4 into the exteriorized omasum of anesthetized animals. The ratios of VFA to chromic oxide remaining from previous oral administration decreased by 51% in the omasum as compared to the reticulum, and 83% in the abomasum compared to the omasum. Butyrate-C14 was absorbed rapidly from the omasum into omasal vein blood, peak concentrations appearing at 5 to 10 min. after injection. Butyrate continued to be absorbed for the 1 hr. period of the experiment. Butyrate also was converted, prior to appearance in the blood, into the other VFA and into lactic acid. Comparisons of simultaneous samples of carotid artery blood and omasal vein blood indicated that butyric, propionic and acetic acids were lower in the former.