Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Function of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens
Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens is a:
- Cellulose-digesting bacteria
- Hemicellulose digesting bacteria — Correct Answer
- Starch-digesting bacteria
- Sugar utilizing bacteria
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Hemicellulose digesting bacteria
Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens is a key hemicellulose-digesting bacterium in the rumen. It is one of the most versatile ruminal bacteria, also producing butyrate and participating in cross-feeding with other bacteria.
Ruminal Bacteria — Classification
| Type | Key Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Cellulose-digesting | Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens |
| Hemicellulose-digesting | Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Bacteroides ruminicola |
| Starch-digesting | Streptococcus bovis, Ruminobacter amylophilus |
| Methanogenic | Methanobacterium ruminantium |
| Sugar/dextrin utilizing | Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Lactobacillus acidophilus |
Key Facts about Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens
- Gram-negative, obligate anaerobe
- Major end product: Butyrate (hence "Butyrivi-" in its name)
- Also has some cellulolytic activity but primarily hemicellulosic
- One of the most numerous bacteria in the rumen
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Cellulose-digesting → Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus are primary cellulose digesters
- Starch-digesting → Streptococcus bovis is the key starch degrader
- Sugar utilizing → Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens is the primary dextrin/sugar utiliser
📚 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.