Megasphaera elsdenii

​Megasphaera elsdenii has been used recently as a probiotic/direct-fed microbial to mitigate the effects of ruminal acidosis on high-grain diets. Image courtesy of Lactipro. 

​Megasphaera elsdenii is a lactate- and sugar-fermenting species, generating butyrate from lactate.

Megasphaera elsdenii is often found during periods of ruminal acidosis, when pH decreases. The microbe can help mitigate effects of acidosis by fermenting lactose and sugars that can lead to the condition.

​Megasphaera elsdenii has positive relationship with Streptococcus bovis, likely due to S. bovis production of lactate.