THE ROLE OF FAT IN RUMINANT NUTRITION

Ruminants have been domesticated and exploited by man for two major reasons. Firstly, they are able to digest roughage and thereby derive energy for productive purposes because they possess a functional rumen. Secondly, they produce meat and milk which are of nutritive value to man. Much of this paper will cover aspects pertain-ing to the above with particular emphasis on fat intake and metabolism within the ruminant animal. A Function of the Rumen The young milk-fed calf or lamb is essentially monogastric with regard to its digestive physiology, but by 3-4 months of age, under normal husbandry conditions, i.e. weaned and fed pasture, the preruminant 3yrimal develops a digestive system which is essentially ruminant in IXha.racter. The adult ruminant possesses a complex stomach comprising four compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum). The rume