The application of an improved artificial rumen technique to the study of the effects of non-protein nitrogen on fermentation and nitrogen distribution in the rumen

Abstract

SummaryAn artificial rumen technique which simulated in vivo conditions was applied to the study of the effects of non-protein nitrogen on fermentation and nitrogen distribution in the rumen. Using this technique it was possible to reproduce in vitro a series of biochemical and other effects on fermentation that had been produced in vivo by the addition of various sources and levels of non-protein nitrogen to the rumen. It was shown that with a basal diet of cellulose, protein was synthesized from urea both in the presence and absence of starch over a period of 24 h and a typical rumen fermentation pattern was maintained.