Abstract
BackgroundThe community of microorganisms in the rumen and reticulum is influenced by feeding as well as the species and geographical distribution of ruminant animals. Bacteria, methanogenic archaea and ciliate protozoa existing in the rumen and reticulum were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and light microscopy in buffalo in two feeding systems, grazing and feedlot.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the total concentrations of bacteria/mL and archaea between rumen and reticulum, and between pasture and feedlots, or interactions between variables. However, the largest density of bacteria and smallest density of archaea was observed in the rumen of grazing animals. The total ciliates protozoa community was higher in grazing buffalo than those in the feedlot on a concentrated diet. There were significant interactions between location in the gastrointestinal tract (rumen vs reticulum) and types of diets (grazing vs feedlot) in the composition of ciliates.ConclusionsOur data showed differences in the microbial community of the rumen and reticulum between grazing and feedlot feeding systems demonstrating relevant changes in the microorganism:host relationship existing on rumen–reticulum ecosystem.
Highlights
The community of microorganisms in the rumen and reticulum is influenced by feeding as well as the species and geographical distribution of ruminant animals
The microbial community varies with the presence of bacteria (1010–1011/g), methanogenic archaea (107–109/g), ciliate protozoa (104– 106/g), anaerobic fungi (103–106/g) and bacteriophage (109–1010 particles/mL) [2]
Methanobrevibacter species have been found in high densities in the rumen of buffalo fed three different diets [7], while buffalo fed wheat straw had more Methanomicrobium spp. [8]
Summary
The community of microorganisms in the rumen and reticulum is influenced by feeding as well as the species and geographical distribution of ruminant animals. Methanogenic archaea and ciliate protozoa existing in the rumen and reticulum were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and light microscopy in buffalo in two feeding systems, grazing and feedlot. The microbial community varies with the presence of bacteria (1010–1011/g), methanogenic archaea (107–109/g), ciliate protozoa (104– 106/g), anaerobic fungi (103–106/g) and bacteriophage (109–1010 particles/mL) [2]. It was previously thought that 300–400 different species of bacteria existed in the rumen, but using. Methanobrevibacter species have been found in high densities in the rumen of buffalo fed three different diets [7], while buffalo fed wheat straw had more Methanomicrobium spp. Methanobrevibacter species have been found in high densities in the rumen of buffalo fed three different diets [7], while buffalo fed wheat straw had more Methanomicrobium spp. [8].
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