Identification of Ruminococcus flavefaciens as the predominant cellulolytic bacterial species of the equine cecum.
Abstract: Detection and quantification of cellulolytic bacteria with oligonucleotide probes showed that Ruminococcus flavefaciens was the predominant species in the pony and donkey cecum. Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus were present at low levels. Four isolates, morphologically resembling R. flavefaciens, differed from ruminal strains by their carbohydrate utilization and their end products of cellobiose fermentation.
Publication Date: 1999-07-31 PubMed ID: 10427077PubMed Central: PMC91562DOI: 10.1128/AEM.65.8.3738-3741.1999Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study reveals that Ruminococcus flavefaciens is the most abundant cellulolytic bacterial species in the cecum of ponies and donkeys, according to detection and quantification by oligonucleotide probing. Other species, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus, were also found but at lower quantities. Furthermore, four isolates that morphologically resembled R. flavefaciens had unique carbohydrate utilization and cellobiose fermentation end products compared to ruminal strains.
Research Background
- The objective of this study was to identify and quantify different species of cellulolytic bacteria present in the cecum of ponies and donkeys. The cecum, part of the digestive tract, is a key site for the breaking down of cellulose – the largest component of plant-based diets in these animals. The process is facilitated by various species of bacteria with cellulolytic properties.
- The study sought to determine which bacteria species was predominant and any variations in their properties.
Methods and Findings
- Researchers used a method of detection and quantification known as oligonucleotide probing. This involves the use of short DNA or RNA strands complimentary to a specific sequence in the genomes of the bacteria in question.
- The results revealed that Ruminococcus flavefaciens was the most common species of cellulolytic bacteria in the cecum of both ponies and donkeys. Other cellulolytic bacterial species such as Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus were also present, though in lower proportions.
Additional Findings
- The research further delves into the properties of four isolated strains morphologically similar to Ruminococcus flavefaciens.
- These isolates displayed variations in carbohydrate utilization and showed unique end products of cellobiose fermentation, a component of cellulose breakdown. This suggests these strains of Ruminococcus flavefaciens could potentially have unique functionalities in the cecum beyond those standardly known within the species.
Research Impact
- The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the bacterial composition in the cecum of ponies and donkeys and how different cellulose breakdown processes may take place.
- The discovery of these unique Ruminococcus flavefaciens strains could lead to further research into their specific functionalities and impacts on equine health and nutrition. This in turn could influence feeding strategies and veterinary practices in the future.
Cite This Article
APA
Julliand V, de Vaux A, Millet L, Fonty G.
(1999).
Identification of Ruminococcus flavefaciens as the predominant cellulolytic bacterial species of the equine cecum.
Appl Environ Microbiol, 65(8), 3738-3741.
https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.65.8.3738-3741.1999 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratoire associé de Recherches Zootechniques INRA-ENESAD, 21036 Dijon Cedex, France. v.julliand@enesad.fr
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bacillaceae / genetics
- Bacillaceae / isolation & purification
- Bacillaceae / metabolism
- Cecum / microbiology
- Cellobiose / metabolism
- Equidae / microbiology
- Fermentation
- Horses / microbiology
- Oligonucleotide Probes
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