The Oxidation-Reduction Potential of Rumen Contents

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Abstract
The relationship between pH and redox potential (Eh) is rumen ingesta from cows probably is described by the equation Eh = Eo -0.06pH (where Eo is the potential at pH7). Determination of the reductive capacity of several centrifugal fractions of the ingesta indicated that only 8.9% of the reductive capacity is due to the bacteria while 47.2 and 37.5%, respectively is associated with the large feed particles and colloidal material. Rumen microorganisms probably utilize their substrate as an electron acceptor. The extreme stability of the Eh in the presence of strong oxidative and reductive compounds emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the facultative and anaerobic microorganisms of the rumen. The Eh observed can serve as a measurement of the metabolic rate of the rumen organisms.