The Partial Efficiency of Acetate Utilization in Sheep

Abstract

The experiment was undertaken to estimate the partial efiiciency of acetate utilization in sheep by increasing exogenous acetate through the rumen and glucose load through the jugular vein. Three Merino wethers were fed a diet chosen to provide intake above maintenance with low propionate. Polyvinyl chloride catheters were surgically implanted into rumen, an iliae artery, portal and jagular veins. In this experiment sheep were administered with saline as control (T1), 1
mole/d acetate infusion (T2), 2 moles/d acetate infusion and 2 moles/d acetate plus 0.3 mole/d glucose infusion (T4). Dry matter intake (DMI) of T2 and T3 was greater than in T4 (P<.05). The acetate plus glucose (T4) had a higher (P<.05)
digestibility of energy than a control group (T1). Substantial differences in mean values in particular acetate infusion without glucose tended to an in-crease in 02 uptake and infusion of glucose and acetate together appeared to decrease rate of
methane production. Proportion of Metabolizable energy (ME) intake retained (PR) ranged from 17 to 51%, indicating that throughout the measurement period of the sheep were in positive energy balance. The partial effieiency of acetate utilization (PE) for body tissue gain varied from 47 to 78% while glucose did not significantly improve PE of acetate utilization at 2 moles/d of acetate infusion use.