Ruminal synthesis, biohydrogenation, and digestibility of fatty acids by dairy cows

Ruminal synthesis and biohydrogenation of fatty acids in dairy cows were determined by sampling duodenal digesta through T-cannulas. Fatty acid digestibility in the total tract also was measured. Five diets (concentrate:alfalfa hay:alfalfa haylage:corn silage, 2:1:1:1, DM) in a 5 x 5 Latin square contained either no added fat; 3 or 6% added calcium soap; or 3 or 6% animal-vegetable blend fat. Seventy percent of dietary fatty acids were recovered at the duodenum, and 106 g/d were synthesized in the rumen regardless of diets. Fatty acids synthesized in greatest amounts were odd or branched chains, whereas more than 90% of the fatty acids shorter than 14 carbons disappeared. Fatty acids in calcium soap were biohydrogenated 57% and in animal-vegetable blend 87%. Fatty acids in calcium soap were more digestible (80.0 vs. 75.7%) than those in the blended fat due to greater unsaturation in the small intestine. Ruminal microorganisms selectively synthesized fatty acids.