The analysis of volatile N-nitrosamines in the rumen fluid of cows.

For 1 week 2 nonlactating Friesian cows were given hay with potassium nitrate 80 mg/kg bodyweight daily. Then nitrate 120 mg/kg was given into the rumen and rumen fluid was sampled every 15 min for the next 165 min. Greatest concentrations of nitrate, 3.9 and 2.9 mmol/litre in each cow, were present after 90 to 105 min. Dimethylnitrosamine was the only volatile N-nitrosamine found. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)