In vivo 13C NMR studies of glucose catabolism by isolated rumen bacteria.

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to study the metabolism of the rumen bacterial ecosystem. The fermentation of 1-13C-glucose was investigated. This system showed a transient build-up and decay of lactate labelled at the C3 position. The degradation of lactate gave rise to volatile fatty acids. These results agree with in vivo data on diets rich in available carbohydrates.