Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Ithaca, New York » Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture & Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #72011
Title: MECHANISMS OF IONOPHORE ACTION IN RUMINAL BACTERIA

Author
item Russell, James

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ruminal ionophores can affect various aspects of ruminal fermentation (CH4, NH3 and lactic acid production). They alter ruminal fermentation by inhibiting gram-positive bacteria that do not have an outer membrane to protect their cell membrane. Ruminal ionophores catalyze an efflux of potassium and an influx of sodium and protons into sensitive ruminal bacteria. The solubility and pKa values of ionophores have an impact of ionophore binding and activity. Potassium efflux measurements provide a sensitive index of ionophore activity in vivo.