A novel estimate of the magnitude of heat produced in the rumen

Abstract

Using a well-known equation relating the heat production to the respiratory measurements, the total heat produced in the animal is partitioned into heat produced in the rumen and heat produced in the body. It is shown that the values of the partition constants can be calculated by making two simple logical deductions. Consideration of known heats of fermentation of carbohydrate and protein shows that the deductions are justified.