Sulfur and Methionine Metabolism in Sheep. V. Utilization of Methionine Isomers

Abstract

Merino wethers were fed 600 g dry matter per day of a ground and pelleted 50 : 50 oaten chaff: lucerne chaff diet. The ration was fed in 12 equal protions at 2-hourly intervals. The diet of some sheep was supplemented with infusions of 2·5 g/day of either L-, DL- or D-methionine into either the rumen or duodenum. Ruminal sulfide-sulfur pools, the amount of sulfur flowing at the duodenum and excreted in faeces and urine, and the amount of sulfur incorporated into wool were measured. [35Sl-LMethionine injections were given to each sheep and the excretion of [35Sl-sulfur and its incorporation into wool were measured.