[Comparative studies of the parameters of rumen fermentation and the digestibility of feed rations in cattle and sheep. 1. Parameters of rumen fermentation].

The results from 283 studies of rumen liquid, taken by means of oesophagus probe, from different species of cattle (ox, cow, male and female young cattle) and sheep (adult wether) are compared. In the rumen liquid the parts of volatile fatty acids (VFA), total VFA content, pH value and the content of NH3 and urea were analysed. In the cattle's rumen liquid the part of acetic acid is on average 2 Mol-% and the content of total VFA up to 28 mmol/l (middle of the cow--sheep comparisons) higher than in that of wether. The contents of NH3 and urea are lower in cattle than in wether. Relations between the amount of difference of characteristic rumen fluid numbers of cattle and sheep and the crude fibre content of the rations, the live weight of the young cattle and the nutrition level are considered.