Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Microbes Penetrating Ligno-Cellulose Bonds
Microbes capable of breaking Ligno-cellulose bond of feed (substrate penetration):
- Bacteria
- Fungi — Correct Answer
- Protozoa
- Bacteriophage
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Fungi
Anaerobic ruminal Fungi (mostly flagellated) possess highly invasive rhizoid structures that physically penetrate and break the tough lignin-cellulose bonds in plant cell walls from the inside out. This substrate penetration opens up the fibre matrix, allowing subsequent bacterial colonization and digestion.
Rumen Microbes — Functions
| Microorganism | Population | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | 10¹⁰⁻¹¹/ml | VFA production; cellulose, hemicellulose, starch digestion |
| Protozoa | 10⁶/ml | Decide total microbial population (eat bacteria); mostly ciliate |
| Fungi | 10³/ml | Substrate penetration — break ligno-cellulosic bonds |
| Bacteriophage | 10⁹/ml | Lyse bacterial cells → bacterial protein as amino acid source |
Cellulose-Digesting Bacteria (from notes)
- Fibrobacter (Bacteroides) succinogenes
- Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens
- Clostridium longisporum
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
