Exam 1 - Ruminant Review

Question 1

Pre-gastric Retention

Answer 1

Definition: In ruminants, the process of fermentation in the rumen before gastric digestion.

Key Point: Symbiotic relationship between host and bacteria.

Question 2

Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs)

Answer 2

Definition: Byproducts of microbial fermentation in the rumen, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

Key Point: VFAs are absorbed and utilized by the host for energy

Question 3

Anaerobic Fermentation

Answer 3

Definition: Fermentation process occurring without the presence of oxygen, characteristic of the rumen environment.

Key Point: Ideal for microbial activity in the rumen.

Question 4

Microbial Populations

Answer 4

Definition: Diverse communities of microorganisms in the rumen, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and archaea.

Key Point: Crucial for efficient digestion in ruminants.

Question 5

Cellulose Fermentation

Answer 5

Definition: Efficient conversion of cellulose into energy by bacteria in the rumen.

Key Point: Key process for utilizing plant fibers in the diet.

Question 6

High-forage Diet vs. Grain-rich Diet

Answer 6

Definition: Diets influencing microbial populations in the rumen based on forage or grain content.

Key Point: Different diets favor specific bacterial populations.

Question 7

Neonatal Exposure

Answer 7

Definition: Early exposure of a young ruminant to specific microbial communities.

Key Point: Long-term impact on the animal’s microbiome.

Question 8

Advantages of VFAs

Answer 8

Acetate: Energy source; convertible.
Propionate: Substrate for gluconeogenesis; energy production.
Butyrate: Energy for intestinal cells; promotes gut health.

Question 9

Importance of VFAs

Answer 9

Energy Source: Significant source for ruminant energy needs.

Health Benefits: Butyrate supports intestinal health.

Question 10

Overview of ruminant

Answer 10

Ruminant digestion involves pre-gastric fermentation, microbial populations, cellulose fermentation, and the production of beneficial VFAs.

Key Considerations: The symbiotic relationship between host and microbes is crucial for efficient digestion and nutrient utilization

Question 11

Rumen characteristics

Answer 11

Description: The rumen is an ideal fermentation site due to its large size, consistent temperature, and constant contractions.

Key Point: Optimal conditions for microbial activity.

Question 12

Industrial Cellulose Fermentation

Answer 12

Description: Potential application for sustainable fuel production, but challenges include efficient raw material collection.

Key Point: Cellulose fermentation for industrial purposes.

Question 13

Ruminant Nutrition Basics

Answer 13

Key Concept: Ruminant nutrition focuses on feeding microbes in the rumen to promote beneficial populations and efficient digestion.

Key Point: Formulating diets with microbial growth in mind.

Question 14

Microbial Populations in Rumen

Answer 14

Composition: Bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and archaea contribute to a diverse microbial community.

Key Point: Over 200 species of bacteria in the rumen.

Question 15

Rumen Contractions

Answer 15

Function: Constant contractions ensure thorough mixing of feed with bacteria and inoculation with saliva.

Key Point: Feed constantly mixed for optimal fermentation.

Question 16

Methanogens

Answer 16

Definition: Microbes, specifically archaea, responsible for methane production during fermentation.

Key Point: Methane is a byproduct of microbial activity.

Question 17

Temperature in Rumen

Answer 17

Optimal Temperature: The rumen’s consistent temperature of around 39 degrees Celsius is ideal for bacterial growth.

Key Point: Bacteria thrive in the warm, anaerobic rumen environment.

Question 18

Salivary Secretions

Answer 18

Function: Saliva contains bicarbonate, buffering the rumen pH and promoting better conditions for bacterial growth.

Key Point: Saliva aids in maintaining optimal rumen conditions.

Question 19

Impact of Microbial Populations on Animal Growth

Answer 19

Factors: Host characteristics, neonatal exposure, and diet influence microbial populations, impacting animal growth.

Key Point: Microbial composition plays a role in animal development.

Question 20

Rumen Contractions and Mixing

Answer 20

Function: Rumen contractions ensure constant mixing of feed with bacteria.

Key Point: Feed is inoculated with bacteria and saliva during contractions.

Question 21

Rumen pH

Answer 21

Optimal pH: Bacteria in the rumen prefer a pH of about 6.

Key Point: Salivary bicarbonate helps maintain a suitable pH.

Question 22

Impact of Diet on Microbial Populations

Answer 22

Influence: Diet, especially forage or grain content, affects the composition of microbial populations.

Key Point: High-forage diets favor different bacterial populations than grain-rich diets.