Abstract: Four huai goats (average life weight 30 kg) fitted with permanent rumen fistula were chosen to study effects of digestion and metabolism in rumen. The experiment was designed as 4×4 Latin square. During four periods, the goats were feed respectively 0,4,6,8 g DL-methionine in rumen. The results showed: ①Compared to the controlled group, the pH in rumen of goats added 6~8 g DL-methionine every day was lowed significantly, but it had not effects of ammonia nitrogen levels. ②The average levels of CH₃COOH, CH₃CH₂COOH, CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH were improved respectively 7.2%~30.1%, 43.6%~102.3%, 15%~35.4% among four treatments. The average levels of total VFA were improved to 13.3~38.3%. The significant levels were found when they were added 6~8 g DL-methionine. ③The disappear number of DM and half cellulose were improved significantly if added 8 g DL-methionine in rumen every day. The disappear number of DM and half cellulose were improved respectively 85 g and 45 g every day, and the rates of DM and half cellulose were improved respectively 6.6% and 12.2%. At the same time, the number and rates of Ca in twelve bowel were improved. With the improvement of additive, the improved trends of number and rates of DM and half cellulose were found. In a word, if the goats were added 6~8 g DL-methionine, the digestion of rumen may be improved.

Key words: DL-methionine; huai goats; rumen; digestion and metabolism