Rumen Microbiome

The rumen microbiome comprises bacteria, protozoa, archaea, and fungi. Each has different functions. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes bacterial phyla are the most abundant and are responsible for fiber degradation and vitamin b synthesis. Image courtesy of Noble Research Institute.

Fungi produce enzymes that can target and break down the lignin in cell walls. Image courtesy of Hartinger et al. 2021.

Protozoa are the largest in size of the rumen microbes and make up ~50% of the biomass of the rumen microbiome. Protozoa promote prokaryotic diversity by fungal and bacterial predation, reduce nitrogen utilization efficiency, and assist in plant carbohydrate breakdown. Image courtesy of Bauchop, 1979.

Archaea make up a small percent of the rumen microbiome and are most referred to as methanogens. They utilize readily available hydrogen and carbon dioxide from fermentation to produce methane in the anaerobic environment of the rumen. Image courtesy of E. Otwell.