CULTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY OF A STARCH-DIGESTING BACTERIUM ( BACTEROIDES AMYLOPHILUS N. SP.) FROM THE BOVINE RUMEN

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A Gram-negative, non-motile, starch-digesting bacterium, B.amylophilus occurs sporadically in the bovine rumen, occasionally in large numbers. Four strains were isolated from rumen samples obtained from a steer with a rumen fistula, an unfistulated steer, and a producing milk cow. The organism was not always present in these animals and was not found in 3 other animals which were examined, though no extensive search was made. Pleomorphism occurred to varying extents in the different strains. In large cells intracellular granules could be detected. B. amylophilus ferments only starch and maltose of a large number of hexoses and disaccharides tested. It grows well on peptone-yeast extract medium if fermentable carbohydrate is provided. Principal identified fermentation products are acetic, formic, and succinic acids. A measurable quantity of CO2 was fixed in one experiment. Traces of ethanol and lactic acid may be formed.