Pantothenic acid supplementation to support rumen microbes?

Based on repeatedly reported extensive pantothenic acid disappearance in the rumen, the present study is aimed at examining if pantothenic acid is used for a more efficient ruminal fermentation and microbial growth in an artificial rumen (Rusitec). Three substrates differing in roughage/concentrate ratio were incubated with and without the addition of Ca-D-pantothenate. Pantothenic acid was extensively degraded without notably influencing fermentation, microbial protein synthesis and the status of other B-vitamins such as riboflavin, vitamin B(6) and niacin. Therefore, pantothenic acid supplementation cannot be expected to contribute to microbial benefit for the ruminant animal.