Ruminal protein degradation of feeds and microbial protein synthesis

Abstract

Ruminants are a group of animals characterized by the intake of diets that are altered in rumen by anaerobic microorganisms. These microorganisms have ideal conditions in the rumen for their development and growth using dietary protein as feed source. When rumen digesta flows through the gastrointestinal tract, these microorganisms become a source of protein for digestion in the small intestine of ruminants. Thus, to find an appropriate recommendation regarding protein requirements for cattle, we must characterize the changes imposed by these microorganisms and the amount of microbial protein that reaches the small intestine with a specific diet.