Question

Please note that this is an ANIMAL SCIENCE QUESTION. do not answer if unsure.

Please read question carefully and answer it thoroughly. All answers must be typed and brevity is appreciated. (be detailed)

1. There are several enzyme systems for fixing ammonia in the ruminal bacteria that are critical for microbial protein synthesis. If the microbes were genetically engineered to only possess the one that worked at the lowest ammonia concentrations what are the implications for microbial protein synthesis?

**please talk about the implications of microbial protein sysnthesis if this situation were to happen!**

Answer 1

• Microbial protein synthesis depends on rate of digestion of carbohydrates, total rumen bacteria, amount of ammonia, amount of peptides and amino acids, and concentration of nitrogen and its components ( as urea mainly).
• Rumen bacteria prefer to use ammonia even when peptides and amino acids are present.
• The conversion of ammonia to microbial protein is the most important activity of the microbes.
• If microbes are genetically engineered to produce lowest ammonia concentration then the total availability of proteins to the animal is reduced because dietary protein is less important for growth and multiplication of microbes.
• Causing protein deficiency in the animal.
• It can also affect the pH of the rumen
• It can also affect the microbial growth.
• Thus affecting the production and health of the animal.