Trans-Aconitate Utilization by Sheep

Abstract

Sheep fed diets containing 3·5 and 7· 0% trans·aconitate on a dry weight basis for 5 days appeared normal and maintained normal levels of blood citrate, ketones, and aconitate, but showed large increases in urinary citrate. Calcium and magnesium levels in plasma and urine were not substantially modified. When trans-aconitate was placed in the rumen it disappeared rapidly but did not increase the concentration of rumen volatile fatty acids; blood and urinary aconitate values remained low. trans-Aconitate did not inhibit the fermentation of soluble substrates by rumen microorganisms in vitro. Both cis- and trans-aconitate were fermented slowly.