Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Removal of Rumen Protozoa
Removal of protozoa from rumen is known as:
- Defaunation — Correct Answer
- Belching
- Burping
- All of the above
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Defaunation
Defaunation is the selective removal of protozoa from the ruminal ecosystem. It is done to study the role of protozoa in rumen fermentation, or to improve nitrogen utilisation and reduce methane production.
Defaunation — Key Facts
- Definition: Selective removal of protozoa from the rumen
- Chemical defaunation agents: Copper sulphate & Sodium lauryl sulphate
- Protozoa control ruminal microbial population by preying on bacteria
- Defaunation → bacteria numbers increase → improved microbial protein synthesis
- The majority of ruminal protozoa are ciliate protozoa
Rumen Microbial Population (per ml rumen liquor)
| Microorganism | Population | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | 10¹⁰⁻¹¹ | Microflora |
| Bacteriophage | 10⁹ | Microflora |
| Fungi | 10³ | Microflora |
| Protozoa | 10⁶ | Microfauna (controls population) |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Belching → eructation of gas (CO₂ and CH₄) from rumen; not removal of protozoa
- Burping → same as belching; gas release mechanism, not protozoa removal
- All of the above → incorrect; only Defaunation specifically means protozoa removal
📚 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.
