Advances in evaluating and altering the rumen microbial ecosystem

Abstract

The manipulation of the rumen microbial ecosystem to improve animal productivity and lessen environmental impacts has been a research goal for many decades. Impediments to a targeted manipulation of the rumen have included a lack of knowledge of the diversity of the rumen microbial population as well as a lack of methods to thoroughly evaluate microbial changes. Molecular based studies of the rumen microbial population have shown it to be one of the most diverse environments studied. New molecular ecology based assays are now enabling a more precise evaluation of the establishment and effects of novel microorganisms in the rumen as well as a more accurate description of microbial changes induced by feeds and feed additives. This knowledge will help informed development of new strategies for the improvement of ruminant production.