Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Diet Enhancing Acetate Production in Ruminants
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Question (English)
In ruminants, acetate production can be enhanced by feeding a:
- High grain (concentrate) diet
- High roughage (forage) diet ✓ Correct
- High protein diet
- Low fibre diet
Explanation:
Correct Answer: High roughage (forage) diet
A high roughage (forage) diet enhances acetate production in the rumen. Acetate is the primary substrate for milk fat synthesis, so high-forage diets produce milk with a higher fat percentage.
Diet–VFA–Milk Production Summary
| Diet | Dominant VFA | Milk Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| High roughage/forage | ↑ Acetate (65%) | ↑ Milk fat% ✔ |
| High grain/concentrate | ↑ Propionate | ↑ Milk yield (volume) |
Why Roughage Increases Acetate
- Structural carbohydrates (cellulose, hemicellulose) in roughage are fermented predominantly to acetate.
- Rapidly fermentable starch in concentrate is fermented to more propionate.
- Dairy nutrition: a minimum effective fiber level (NDF ≥ 28–30% of diet DM) is required to maintain adequate milk fat% and rumen health.
Applied Example
A dairy farmer wishing to produce high-fat milk (for ghee, butter) should feed more hay/silage/green fodder. A farmer wanting high milk volume should include more concentrate in the ration.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
