Effects of microbial synergism on fibre digestion in the rumen

The primary sources of energy found in forages are the structural polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. These three components generally account for about 400-600 g/kg forage dry matter The inability of most animals to digest these structural polysaccharides has resulted in some of them adopting a microbial population which can. In essence the animal provides an environmentally suitable area for growth of these micro-organisrfls, which in turn digcst the forage structural carbohydrates and thereby supply energy to the host Since most of these digestive tract microorganisms have complex nutritional requirements and can only utilize one or two of the major polysaccharides, synergism between the various organisms can be important for the efficient use of forages by the ruminant animal.