What provides greater than 70% of a ruminant's energy supply?

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) play a crucial role as a primary energy source for ruminants. In ruminant digestion, such as that occurring in cows and sheep, the fermentation process in the rumen converts carbohydrates—mainly from fibrous plant material—into VFAs. These fatty acids, predominantly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the rumen and serve as the main energy supply for the animal's metabolic processes.

The reason VFAs account for more than 70% of the energy supply in ruminants is due to their efficient production and utilization. They provide a readily available energy source that supports various physiological functions, including maintenance, growth, reproduction, and milk production. Additionally, VFAs are particularly significant because ruminants have evolved with a digestive system that allows them to extract energy from high-fiber diets effectively, a process that relies heavily on fermentation.

In contrast, amino acids, minerals, and proteins play essential roles in other biological functions. Amino acids are vital for protein synthesis and metabolic processes but are not the primary energy source. Minerals are critical for various physiological functions and metabolic pathways but do not provide direct energy. Similarly, while proteins contribute to energy supply