The fermentation of hemicellulose by washed suspensions of rumen bacteria

Abstract

Fermentation of hemicellulose by washed suspensions of microorganisms from the rumen of the sheep produced approximately equal proportions of acetic and propionic acids, together with a small amount of butyric acid. These findings are discussed with reference to previous work with growing cultures and to the organisms responsible for hemioellulose fermentation in the rumen.