RUMEN ORGANISMS I

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Nine types of rumen organisms are descr. These are divided into 3 main groups based on morph., large curved rods, tiny curved rods, and a straight rod. The 2 groups of curved rods are subdivided further on the basis of physiological characteristics detd. by a screen test. All of the organisms are nonspore-forming, obligate anaerobic rods which attack fiber, producing the short-chain fatty acids, propionic, butyric, and acetic, and lactic acid as the main end products. Growth stimulatory factors, or requirements such as a source of CO2 and starch or dextrin are discussed. All 9 types of organisms descr. were found repeatedly in large numbers in the rumen of adult animals in several widely separated locations. These organisms may play an important role in roughage digestion in the ruminant.