MICROBIAL FACTORS IN THE DIGESTIVE ASSIMILATION OF STARCH AND CELLULOSE IN HERBIVORA

Abstract

MICROBIAL processes are directly concerned in the digestive assimilation by Herbivora of the starch and crude fibre components of their diet. In ruminants the rumen and in non-ruminants the cæcum is the chief focus of these activities. Great diversity of opinion, however, exists in regard to the type or types of micro-organisms primarily responsible for the changes taking place^1,2. This confusion must in large measure be attributed to the application of methods inappropriate to the resolution of the problem ; and in particular to the exclusive and premature reliance placed on pure cultural technique. For, first, it is impossible by plating out to distinguish with certainty between the casual passengers through and the permanent inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract. Secondly, the majority of microorganisms indigenous to the cæcum and rumen are not susceptible of cultivation on any of the media ordinarily employed.