Effect of molybdate on sulfide production from methionine and sulfate by ruminal microorganisms of sheep
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Abstract:
Purified diets containing sodium sulfate and DL-methionine as sole dietary sources of sulfur were fed to fistulated sheep. The effect of dietary sodium molybdate (50 ppm Mo) on the capacity of the rumen microorganisms to produce sulfide from either sulfate or methionine was assayed in the two sulfur diets. Dietary molybdenum significantly inhibited the production of sulfide from sulfate but enhanced significantly the production of sulfide from methionine. The inhibitory effect of molybdenum on sulfide production in vitro and the number of sulfide-producing bacteria present in the rumen of these sheep are discussed in considering the mechanism of the molybdate effect on sulfide production.
Insights
Dietary molybdenum impacts rumen sulfur metabolism in sheep. Molybdenum inhibited sulfide production from sulfate but boosted it from methionine, affecting rumen bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Animal nutrition
- Rumen microbiology
- Sulfur metabolism
Background:
- Dietary sulfur is crucial for ruminant health.
- Rumen microorganisms convert sulfur sources into sulfide.
- Molybdenum's role in sulfur metabolism is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of dietary molybdenum on rumen sulfide production from sulfate and methionine in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Purified diets with sodium sulfate or DL-methionine as sole sulfur sources were fed to fistulated sheep.
- Rumen microorganisms' capacity to produce sulfide was assayed with and without sodium molybdate (50 ppm Mo).
Main Results:
- Dietary molybdenum significantly inhibited sulfide production from sulfate.
- Dietary molybdenum significantly enhanced sulfide production from methionine.
- Molybdenum's effect on rumen sulfide-producing bacteria populations was observed.
Conclusions:
- Molybdenum exhibits a dual effect on rumen sulfide production, dependent on the sulfur source.
- The findings suggest a complex mechanism for molybdenum's influence on microbial sulfur metabolism in the rumen.