CHEMICAL FACTORS AND THEIR RELATION TO FEED INTAKE REGULATION IN RUMINANTS: A REVIEW

Abstract

The subject is reviewed with respect to the role of nutrient metabolism upon the regulation of ruminant feed intake. Chemical factors associated with changes in dietary or nutrient composition and their metabolism within the reticulorumen or animal body, or both, are emphasized. The importance of physical, physiological or metabolic, and sensory regulatory mechanisms are discussed in relation to their effects upon the formation of various metabolites known to be related to feeding. These include volatile fatty acids, amino acids, and blood glucose. Various tissues are discussed in relation to their relative importance for activation of a feedback signal associated with satiety. A general hypothesis is postulated for the integration of various factors, known to influence feed intake regulation, into a complex system.