2. The hind-gut tissues metabolized the three VFA, although this metabolism varied with the segment studied. Butyrate was the best respiratory fuel for the colonic wall, foIlowed by propionate; acetate participated also, but it was mainly converted to glutamate.3. The liver was the main organ metabolizing absorbed propionate and butyrate; acetate was available for extrahepatic tissue metabolism.4. For the rabbit, VFA represented about 40% of the maintenance energy requirement.

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