The absorption of amino acids from the rumen of the sheep. I. The loss of amino acids from solutions placed in the washed rumen in vivo

Abstract

L-histidine, glycine, and L-amino acid mixtures were placed in the washed rumen of sheep in concentrations similar to those found under normal feeding conditions. The amounts of individual amino acids lost from the rumen over a 4 hr period ranged from virtually zero to 50% of the initial concentration of amino acids placed in the rumen. It was calculated that this could account for 6% of the total nitrogen absorption from the rumen. The amount of L-amino acids lost from the rumen depended on their initial concentration and on the concentration of other amino acids present. The branched chain amino acids showed the most rapid absorption.