Abstract. In this study the protein and mRNA expression of Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) was evaluated in rumen epithelial cells (REC) obtained from sheep fed hay ad libitum (control, h diet, n=4) or a mixed hay/concentrate diet (h/c diet, n=4) for two weeks. REC were isolated via fractionated trypsination and three groups consisting of fractions 3 to 5=G1, fractions 6 to 8=G2, and fractions 9 and 10=G3 were formed. Using an anti-basal cytokeratin antibody and flow cytometric analysis, the proportion of REC originating from the stratum basale (SB) was determined for each group. In addition, MCT1 mRNA and protein expression was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Feeding the h/c diet led to a 299±93 % elevation of the number of SB cells known to express the MCT1 protein. This is accompanied by an increased MCT1 mRNA (1.8 to 2.2-fold) and protein (1.3-fold) expression. Thus, an increased number of MCT1 expressing cells and upregulation of ruminal MCT1 protein seem to be components of rumen epithelium functional adaptation to high energy diet.