Formation of Histamine in Ruminal Fluid

Abstract

HISTIDINE and other amino-acids normally undergo deamination in ruminal fluid¹, and decarboxylation with the formation of histamine does not normally occur in the rumen to any great extent. When sheep or cattle are fed a diet containing excessive amounts of carbohydrate, however, the histamine content of ruminal fluid may increase considerably and concentrations > 70 µg/ml. have been recorded². Van der Horst³ has shown that the concentration of amino-acids and amines in ruminal fluid can be increased by incubation with glucose.