The Rumen and Its Microbes

Robert E. Hungate

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN:
  9781483233086
• eBook ISBN:
  9781483263625
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Zoology
• Index: Biological Sciences

The Rumen and Its Microbes is a contribution to the ecology of this important microbial habitat. Relatively few microbial habitats have been subjected to a thorough quantitative ecological analysis. The rumen fermentation is peculiarly suitable because of its relatively constant and continuous nature and because of the very rapid rates of conversion of organic matter. Although analysis of the ruminant-microbe symbiosis is still far from complete, knowledge is sufficient for formulation of principles and for identification and measurement of important parameters. The first eight chapters of the book include a description of the rumen and its microbes, their activities, and the extent of these activities. This basic biology provides a framework in which applications to agriculture can be evaluated. These applications are discussed in the last four chapters: host metabolism, variation in the rumen, possible practical applications, and abnormalities in rumen function.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• The Rumen and its Microbes
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• CHAPTER I. Introduction
• CHAPTER II. The Rumen Bacteria
• CHAPTER III. The Rumen Protozoa
• CHAPTER IV. Ruminant Functions Related to Rumen Microbial Activity
• CHAPTER V. The Rumen as a Continuous Fermentation System
• CHAPTER VI. Quantities of Carbohydrate Fermentation Products
• CHAPTER VII. Conversions of Nitrogenous Materials
• CHAPTER VIII. Vitamins and Minerals
• CHAPTER IX. Host Metabolism in Relation to Rumen Processes
• CHAPTER X. Variations in the Rumen
• CHAPTER XI. Possible Modifications in Ruminant Feeding Practices
• CHAPTER XII. Abnormalities in the Rumen
• References
• INDEX