Absorption from the Omasum and Subsequent Metabolism of Butyrate and Acetate

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Abstract
Labeled sodium salts of butyric acid were injected into the exteriorized omasum of 3 calves. With the animals maintained under anesthesia, simultaneous samples of blood were drawn from the omasal vein and carotid artery at 4 times during 15 minutes following injection. Concentrations and specific activity of blood organic acids were determined. Similar determinations were made subsequently on the contents of the stomach compartments. There was evidence of limited conversion of butyrate to other volatile fatty acids, both in the ingesta of the omasum and in the blood. Butyrate-C14 rapidly disappeared from the omasum. The major portion of the activity appeared in the blood as beta-hydroxybutyrate in close association with lactic acid. This was true regardless of whether the injected butyrate had been labeled on the first or third carbon. Acetate-1-C14 was similarly injected into the omasum of a fourth calf. It was absorbed and appeared unchanged in the blood.