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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1969 May; 17(5): 695-700
Copyright © 1969 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Effect of Chloral Hydrate on Methane and Propionic Acid in the Rumen

^a Department of Nutrition and Hygiene, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ghent, Belgium

ABSTRACT

Methane production from pyruvate by mixed rumen bacteria in vitro was nearly totally inhibited by chloral hydrate (0.1 µmole/ml of incubation fluid). This effect was accompanied by an accumulation of gaseous hydrogen and an increase in propionic acid production. Infusion of chloral hydrate (4 g/day) into the rumen of a sheep produced the same effects. Evidence is presented for a direct toxic effect of chloral hydrate upon methane bacteria. Results are discussed in terms of fermentation balances.

¹ Present address: The Hormel Institute, The University of Minnesota, Austin, Minn. 55912.