Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Normal Ratio of VFA Production in Rumen
Ratio of production of acetate: propionate: butyrate in rumen is:
- 65: 10: 20
- 65: 20: 10 — Correct Answer
- 10: 20: 65
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 65 : 20 : 10
Under a typical forage-based diet, the normal ratio of volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in the rumen is Acetate : Propionate : Butyrate = 65 : 20 : 10.
Ruminal VFA Profile
| VFA | Normal % in Rumen | Diet Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Acetate | 65% | Increases with high roughage diet → high milk fat% |
| Propionate | 20% | Increases with high concentrate diet → high milk yield |
| Butyrate | 10% | Relatively stable; converted to β-hydroxy butyrate by rumen wall |
Ruminal Ecosystem — Key Values
- Normal ruminal pH: 6.5–6.8
- Optimum temperature: 39°C
- Gas ratio: CO₂ : CH₄ = 65 : 35
- VFAs provide 70% of ruminant total energy needs
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- 65 : 10 : 20 → swaps propionate and butyrate values
- 10 : 20 : 65 → completely reversed order; butyrate is NOT the dominant VFA
- None → incorrect; 65:20:10 is the standard accepted ratio
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
