Introduction to Rumen Studies (eBook)

J. W. Czerkawski (Autor)

eBook Download: PDF

2013 | 1. Auflage
246 Seiten
Elsevier Science (Verlag)
978-1-4832-9298-4 (ISBN)

Infos

The rumen is an object of study for many types of biological scientist, from anatomists to microbiologists, and more recently even mathematicians. The developments and use of various experimental techniques have enabled much progress to be made in rumen studies. Several chapters of this book concentrate on these techniques and concepts that stem from their application. Biochemical and microbial interrelationships are dealt with fully, with an emphasis on the integrated nature of the rumen's contents. The book concludes by considering the most fruitful approaches that might lead to a more complete understanding of this complex and efficient organ. Each chapter is a complete unit that can be read and understood without reference to other chapters. A general reading list at the end of each chapter, together with more detailed references, will help to launch the student into any specific area of rumen studies.

Inhalt

Front Cover 1
An Introduction to Rumen Studies 4
Copyright Page 5
Table of Contents 10
Part I: Introduction 12
Chapter 1. The Rumen : An Introductory Outline 14
Anatomy and function of the rumen 14
Rumen microorganisms and their activity 18
Part II: Techniques 26
Chapter 2. Analytical Procedures 28
Determination of end products of fermentation 28
Substrates 32
Microbial matter 34
Enzyme activity 37
Interpretation of experimental results 38
Chapter 3. Production and Passage of Substances in the Rumen 42
General considerations of conditions in the rumen 42
Factors that affect the passage of digesta in the rumen 44
Marker substances 46
Simple one-compartment model of the rumen 47
A two-compartment model of the rumen 51
Production, interconversion and flow of volatile fatty acids (VFA) (a three-compartment model) 55
Chapter 4. The Artificial Rumen 62
Designing an artificial rumen 62
Classification of artificial rumen types 65
Two examples of an artificial rumen in detail 67
A review of literature 71
Other types of in vitro techniques 72
Chapter 5. Compartmentation in the Rumen 76
Compartmentation 76
The rumen simulation technique (Rusitec)—a model ment system 78
The rumen as a multicompartment system 83
Some implications of compartmentation in rumen research 87
Concluding remarks 91
Part III: Metabolism 94
Chapter 6. Energetics of Rumen Fermentation 96
Elementary thermodynamics 96
An estimate of the magnitude of heat produced in the rumen 99
The free energy of reaction 105
Biochemical energetics 107
Energy exchanges in the rumen 112
Chapter 7. The Rumen as an Ecological System 118
Interrelations between microbiota and host animal 120
Interrelations between groups of microorganisms 125
Stability of the microbial system in the rumen 131
General considerations 132
Chapter 8. Synthetic Processes in the Rumen 138
Microbial protein 138
Microbial polysaccharides 143
Synthesis of other substances 143
Microbial matter 144
Efficiency of synthesis of microbial matter in the rumen 148
Energetic efficiency (YATP) 155
Chapter 9. Digestion of Carbohydrates 162
Carbohydrates digested by ruminants 162
Hydrolysis of polysaccharides 167
Interconversion of sugars 171
Dissimilation of sugars 172
Digestibility of carbohydrates in the rumen 176
General considerations 179
Part IV: General Approach to Rumen Studies 182
Chapter 10. Transfer of Metabolic Hydrogen in the Rumen 184
Microbial fermentation in the rumen: generation of reducing power 185
Disposal of reducing power 188
General considerations (hydrogen balance) 195
Chapter 11. Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation 202
Inhibition of selected processes 202
Activation of selected processes 207
Protection of dietary constituents 212
Manipulation of the rumen as a complex ecological system 213
Chapter 12. Integrated Research and Value of Modelling 218
Integrated research 218
Useful aids in studying complex problems 219
Unifying principles 225
Concluding remarks 225
Appendix Useful Information 228
References 235
Index 244

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 22.10.2013
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Studium ► 1. Studienabschnitt (Vorklinik) ► Physiologie
• Themenwelt: Veterinärmedizin
• ISBN-10: 1-4832-9298-3 / 1483292983
• ISBN-13: 978-1-4832-9298-4 / 9781483292984