The Role of Ciliate Protozoa in the Rumen
Aberystwyth University · Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences · +1 more institution
Abstract
First described in 1843, Rumen protozoa with their striking appearance were assumed to be important for the welfare of their host. However, despite contributing up to 50% of the bio-mass in the rumen, the role of protozoa in rumen microbial ecosystem remains unclear. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA libraries generated from the rumen of cattle, sheep, and goats has revealed an unexpected diversity of ciliated protozoa although variation in gene copy number between species makes it difficult to obtain absolute quantification. Despite repeated attempts it has proven impossible to maintain rumen protozoa in axenic culture. Thus it has been difficult to establish conclusively a role of ciliate protozoa in rumen…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 46.92
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 166
Authors
5- CJC. J. NewboldCorresponding
Aberystwyth University, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
- GDGabriel de la Fuente
Universitat de Lleida
- ABAlejandro Belanche
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University
- ERE. Ramos‐Morales
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University
- NMNeil McEwan
Aberystwyth University, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
Topics & keywords
- Rumen
- Protozoa
- Biology
- Ciliate
- Methanogenesis
- Bacteria
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Life in Land