Volatile Fatty Acid Production, Digestion and Utilization in Ruminants in Sindhi/English AN-201

Volatile fatty acids
High concentrations of VFA are often associated with the effects of toxicity and inhibition. Volatile fatty acids normally found in anaerobic digestion processes are listed in Table 24.10. It is generally believed that VFA inhibition is due to their accumulation and a consequent reduction in pH value. However, several experiments have shown that the VFA are themselves toxic. For example, depending on pH, propionic acid concentrations in the order of grams per litre can be tolerated with a minimal degree of toxicity. However, at low pH values much more of the propionic acid exists in the undissociated HPr form which is much more toxic than propionate ion, Pr−, due to its greater membrane permeability. In a well-operating digester running with lightly loaded feed, VFA concentration is typically less than 100 mg/l

The procedure is based on destruction of the bicarbonate ion, reducing the pH to 3.3, and its removal as carbon dioxide by boiling for 3 minutes. Subsequent titration to pH 4 and then to pH 7 measures mainly the alkalinity imparted by organic acids

Examples of VFA's:
acetic acid.
propionic acid.
butyric acid.

They are used primarily by the microorganisms for reproduction and growth, with the excess production being used by the ruminant itself. The three main volatile fatty acids produced in ruminants are acetic acid, butyric acid and propanoic acid.


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