[Glutamine metabolism by rumen microorganisms: effect of monensin].

Transformation of glutamine of mixed population of microorganisms-symbionts is demonstrated. Protection of glutamine and its intermediates (glutamate and pyroglutamate) under the influence of ionophore (monensin) is found. It is accompanied by the reduced (by 30-70 per cent and more) levels of ammonia formation, total VFA, acetate, butyrate, pH, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase at parallel increase of L-aspartate and L-alanine: 2-oxoglutarate, aminotransferase activity, redox potential of stability of protein content. It is suggested that the rapid change of Eh level on the 24th hour of incubation reflects the main stage of pyroglutamate formation being one of the final products of glutamine degradation when monensin is used. Ionophore affects first of all the inhibition of metabolic processes in gram-positive rumen microorganisms.