Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Ruminants need rumen degradable proteins in their diet. Reason (R): Ammonia is required for rumen microbial protein synthesis. In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP) is degraded into ammonia by rumen microbes.
The microbes use this ammonia to build microbial protein, which is the primary protein source for the ruminant.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ruminants (such as cattle and sheep) rely on microbial fermentation in the rumen to digest feed.
Dietary protein is divided into Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP) and Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP).
The microbial population in the rumen breaks down RDP to obtain nitrogen for their own growth.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the Assertion and the Reason.
- Assertion (A) states that ruminants need rumen degradable proteins (RDP) in their diet.
This is true. RDP is required to support the metabolic activities and growth of the rumen microbial population.
Without sufficient RDP, microbial fermentation of fiber slows down.
- Reason (R) states that ammonia is required for rumen microbial protein synthesis.
This is true. Rumen microbes break down RDP into peptides, amino acids, and ultimately ammonia (\( NH_3 \)).
The microbes use this ammonia as a primary source of nitrogen to synthesize their own cellular proteins (microbial protein).
This microbial protein is later digested in the small intestine of the ruminant, serving as a primary high-quality protein source.
- Let us evaluate the connection:
Ruminants need RDP because the microbes require the ammonia produced from its degradation to synthesize microbial protein.
Therefore, Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A), corresponding to option 1.