Integration of Ruminal Volatile Fatty Acid Production Methods, Ruminal Fluid Sampling Techniques, and Mathematical Modeling

A series of technical studies were performed to develop simpler methods of measuring the rate of ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and a practical but effective way of sampling ruminal fluid. In experiment 1, an in vitro technique (procedure and mathematical approach) were developed to estimate ruminal VFA production in vivo. This method provides a practical approach to measure the ruminal fermentation of different diets and their impact on the profile of nutrients available for production under non-steady state conditions. In experiment 2, a device was developed which allowed time-integrated samples of ruminal fluid to be collected without repeated entry into the rumen. This method simplified the collection of ruminal fluid and produced samples representative of overall ruminal fermentation, providing a promising alternative to conventional sampling techniques. This method may prove useful in investigating factors affecting the dynamics of ruminal fermentation and may also help in the identification of variables associated with various metabolic diseases. In experiment 3, a technique for measuring the rate of ruminal VFA production (under steady state conditions) in large ruminants using a stable isotope was developed. This allowed the rate of ruminal VFA production to be measured without the health and safety concerns associated with radioactive isotopic studies. This method provides a promising alternative to conventional radioactive isotope dilution techniques and may prove useful in studying the factors affecting ruminal fermentation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Corley, Robert Nelson, III

Contributors dc:contributor

• Murphy, Michael R.

• Agriculture, Animal Culture and Nutrition

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9952996

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83657