[Determination of volatile fatty acids in the blood plasma of cattle before and after an infusion of propionate and butyrate].

Before and after infusion of propionate and butyrate the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the blood of heifers were determined by gas chromatography, in order to indicate activity and regulation of the carbohydrate metabolism. 14 heifers were loaded after food deprivation with intravenous infusions of propionate and butyrate. Concentrations of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, and valerate were measured in blood samples which were taken later on. The methods used for clearance and extraction as well as for gas chromatographic analysis are described. Retention times and blood concentrations are given for each VFA. Concentrations prior to infusion were for: acetate 10.14 +/- 2.51 microliters/ml; propionate 0.42 +/- 0.35 microliters/ml; iso-butyrate 3.72 +/- 1.37 microliters/ml; butyrate 3.44 +/- 0.68 microliters/ml blood plasma. The concentrations of the infused VFA showed a 100 (butyrate) to 1000 (propionate) fold increase followed by a subsequent decrease to the initial values. These investigations on the profile of VFA elucidated criteria of the energy metabolism.