Effect of Particle Size on the Digestion Rate of Purified Cellulose by Rumen Cellulolytic Bacteria in Vitro

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Purified cellulose (approximately 100 mesh) and samples wet-ball-milled 6, 24 and 96 hours were used as substrates for in vitro fermentations with rumen cellulolytic bacteria. Marked increases in cellulose digestion of the ball-milled materials occurred after 12, 22 and 30 hours fermentation; however, almost complete digestion had occurred with all substrates after 48 hours. Apparently, when maximum cellulose digestion is occurring, and the substrate is non-limiting, cellulose digestion of the different substrates is occurring at a similar rate. The faster digestion rate of the ball-milled cellulose appears to be caused by a reduction of the lag phase.