COMPARTMENTAL SCHEMES FOR ESTIMATING METHANOGENESIS IN RUMINANTS FROM ISOTOPE-DILUTION DATA

Schemes for estimating methane production in the rumen and in the whole animal from isotope dilution data are promulgated and a unifying mathematical analysis of these schemes is presented. In addition to steady-state conditions (appropriate under constant- or frequent-feeding regimes) and isotope administration by constant infusion, significant attention is given to non-steady state conditions and to isotope administration by single injection. A calculation for estimating volatile fatty acid production from methanogenesis is also presented. © 1993 Academic Press. All rights reserved.