Effects of Intraruminal versus Intravenous Infusions of Acetone on the Ruminating and Masticating Behavior of Goats

Acetone, which is produced from butyric acid when it passes through the rumen wall, was infused into the rumen and jugular veins of three female goats to investigate the role of acetone in ruminating and masticating behavior. The ruminating behavior, as measured by the number of boli and the ruminating time, decreased (p<0.05) with intraruminal acetone infusion. However, the ruminating behavior did not change significantly in response to intravenous acetone infusion. Feed intake significantly decreased with intraruminal acetone infusion, but not with intravenous acetone infusion. The concentrations of acetone in the plasma increased significantly (p<0.05) with both acetone infusion regions. Ruminal fluid acetone, and isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is one of the ketone bodies, produced from acetone by bacterial action in rumen, concentrations were significantly increased (p<0.05) with both acetone infusion regions. These results suggest that the chemoreceptors sensitive to acetone are more likely to be in the rumen epithelium, portal system, or liver, where they can respond to acetone levels.