Lipids in Ruminant Nutrition

This set of flashcards focuses on key terminology and concepts related to lipids in ruminant nutrition.

Rumen

A specialized stomach chamber in ruminants where fermentation of ingested plant materials occurs.

Biohydrogenation

A process that converts unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids in the rumen.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)

Fatty acids that contain multiple double bonds in their carbon chain.

Hydrolysis/Lipolysis

The breakdown of triglycerides, glycolipids, and phospholipids into free fatty acids and glycerol.

Glycerol

A three-carbon alcohol that is a component of triglycerides.

Fatty Acid Isomers

Different structural forms of fatty acids, including cis and trans configurations.

Rumen Fistula

An opening created in the rumen for direct observation and sampling.

Monogastric

Animals that have a single-chambered stomach, differing from ruminants.

Intestinal FA digestion

The process of digesting fatty acids in the intestine, similar in ruminants and monogastrics.

Galactolipids

A type of lipid found in plant membranes that contain galactose.

Triglycerides (TG)

The main form of stored fat in animals; composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Free Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that are not bound to glycerol and can be absorbed directly by tissues.

Plant lipids

Lipids derived from plants, which undergo extensive alteration during rumen fermentation.

Isomerization

The process of converting one isomer to another, such as changing cis to trans configurations.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have no double bonds in their carbon chain.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds in their carbon chain.