Disappearance and passage of propionic acid from the rumen of the beef steer

Studies were conducted to define steady state pH, propionic acid concentrations and fluid turnover in the rumen of steers fed every 3 h and to determine whether rates of ruminal propionic acid disappearance were linearly related to their in situ production rates. Ruminally fistulated beef steers (326 +/- 11 kg; n = 3) were fed eight times daily a 54% mixed hay: 46% corn-based concentrate diet to meet maintenance energy requirements. Maximal acceptable variations from the mean at steady state conditions of pH, propionic acid concentrations and specific activity, and liquid flow (Cr marker concentrations) were defined as 4%, 20%, 30% and 10%, respectively, across 4 h of observation. In situ production of propionic acid, determined by pulse-continuous infusion of 1-14C-propionic acid, was 142 mmol/h (CV = 8.4%). The ruminal half-life of propionic acid was estimated to be 1.5 h and the liquid flow rate was 3.8 liters/h. Propionic acid production rates subsequently were elevated by continuous intraruminal infusion of buffered propionic acid. Irrespective of production (basal and infusion) rate, approximately 66% disappeared (i.e., presumed absorption) and 34% passed from the rumen to the lower tract in the liquid phase. Ruminal disappearance of propionate was linearly related with its production rate, and propionate concentrations and production rates also were linearly related. Liquid passage was linearly related to production rate, but there was insufficient evidence to conclude that fractional dilution rate or ruminal volume were similarly related. When ruminal production of propionic acid is elevated, the rumen has additional absolute capacity to remove propionate, but the fractional removal appears to be constant. The digestive tract distal to the rumen is likely an important site of propionate absorption in cattle when propionate production is high.