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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Ithaca, New York » Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture & Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #76822
Title: ENERGY YIELDING AND CONSUMING REACTIONS

Author
item Russell, James
item WALLACE, R - ROWETT RES INST, ABERDEEN

Submitted to: The Rumen Microbial Ecosystem
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/16/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Not required.

Technical Abstract: Energy transformations affect all aspects of rumen microbial ecology, and hence ruminant nutrition. They determine not only the quantity and composition of the fermentation acids, but the amount of biomass present. Since the rates of feedstuff fermentation and degradation depend on the cell density, and since the animal is dependent on microbial protein as an amino acid source, the energy metabolism of rumen microorganisms affects both the energy and nitrogen status of the animal. Rumen bacteria have a variety of energy yielding reactions that increase their ability to scavenge energy and grow competitively. Rumen bacteria use most of their metabolic energy for growth, but some energy is also dissipated by maintenance and energy spilling mechanisms. The energy spilling mechanisms can be more important than maintenance when energy is in excess and other nutrients are limiting.