Post-ruminal Degradation and Absorption of Carbohydrate by the Mature Ruminant

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Abstract
Sheep that had been fed a high carbohydrate ration were killed 3, 6 or 24 hours post-feeding to determine the relative amount and form of carbohydrate reaching the abomasum. The carbohydrate concentrations in abomasum contents, 3 hours post-feeding, was equal to 55% of the ration concentration. More total carbohydrate, due to more starch, was observed in the abomasum 3 hours post-feeding than 6 or 24 hours post-feeding. Starch and maltose were hydrolyzed and absorbed as glucose from the small intestine. The rate of hydrolysis of maltose and absorption of glucose was appreciably faster than the rate of blood glucose clearance, whereas the rate of starch hydrolysis was only slightly greater than the rate of blood glucose clearance. The latter difference was detectable only when a large amount of soluble starch was administered into the abomasum of sheep fed a high concentrate diet.

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