Numbers and Some Predominant Groups of Bacteria in the Rumen of Cows Fed Different Rations

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Abstract
The numbers of bacteria cultured were approx. the same (1-2 billion per ml.) when alfalfa hay, alfalfa hay-concentrate, or wheat straw was fed. An increase in numbers to approx. 6.5 billion per ml. was found when concentrate was the ration. The flora was more complex when alfalfa hay or alfalfa hay-concentrate rations were fed than when concentrate or wheat straw was the ration. The level of feeding alfalfa hay-concentrate had little effect on numbers or different groups of bacteria cultured. Some differences were noted in groups of bacteria isolated from different animals fed the same ration.