Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Function of Fibrobacter succinogenes
Fibrobacter succinogenes is a:
- Cellulose-digesting bacteria — Correct Answer
- Hemicellulose digesting bacteria
- Starch-digesting bacteria
- Sugar utilizing bacteria
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Cellulose-digesting bacteria
Fibrobacter succinogenes (formerly Bacteroides succinogenes) is one of the most important cellulose-digesting bacteria in the rumen. It attaches firmly to cellulose fibre particles and produces cellulase enzymes to break down cellulose.
Ruminal Bacteria by Function
| Type | Key Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Cellulose-digesting | Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Clostridium longisporum |
| 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 Fibrobacter succinogenes
- Gram-negative, obligate anaerobe
- Most efficient cellulose degrader in rumen
- Produces succinate as major fermentation end product
- Critical for fibre digestibility in ruminants on roughage-based diets
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Hemicellulose digesting → Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens is the key hemicellulose degrader
- Starch-digesting → Streptococcus bovis is the key starch degrader
- Sugar utilizing → Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens and Lactobacillus are sugar utilisers
📚 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.
