Steam-volatile amines in rumen liquor from cattle and sheep

Abstract The steam-volatile amines present in rumen liquor of cattle fed red clover and sheep grazing ryegrass have been separated and identified, Piperidine was invariably the predominant amine. Pyrrolidine, isobutylamine, isoamylamine, β-phenylethylamine, ethylamine, and ethanolamine were also present. The pattern of amines observed was a fairly constant one, although individual amines varied considerably in concentration. Piperidine and other amines were also observed in extracts from red clover and ryegrass. The extent by which the amines arose directly from the feed or from de novo synthesis in the rumen is discussed.