Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
VFA Responsible for Milk Fat Synthesis
VFA responsible for milk fat synthesis is:
- Acetate — Correct Answer
- Propionate
- Butyrate
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Acetate
Acetate (Acetic acid) is the primary VFA responsible for milk fat synthesis in dairy animals. It serves as the main carbon source for de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland.
VFA Profile and Their Functions
| VFA | Normal Ratio in Rumen | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Acetate | 65% | Milk fat synthesis (main carbon source for fatty acid synthesis) |
| Propionate | 20% | Milk sugar (lactose) synthesis; gluconeogenic precursor |
| Butyrate | 10% | Converted to β-hydroxy butyrate (ketone body) by ruminal epithelial cells |
Diet Influence on VFA and Milk Composition
- High roughage diet → high acetate → high milk fat %
- High concentrate / grain diet → high propionate → high milk yield
- VFAs provide 70% of ruminant energy needs
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Propionate → responsible for milk sugar (lactose) synthesis via gluconeogenesis; not milk fat
- Butyrate → serves as energy source for ruminal epithelium; becomes a ketone body, not milk fat precursor
- None → incorrect; acetate's role in milk fat synthesis is well established
📚 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.
