A Method for the Study of Cellulose Digestion by Washed Suspensions of Rumen Microorganisms

Summary A technique based on the use of washed suspension of rumen microorganisms was developed for the study of in vitro cellulose digestion. When washed rumen microorganisms were suspended in 20ml. of a mineral nutrient solution containing 0.5% of cellulose, approximately 60% of cellulose was digested during an incubation period of 24 hours. Conditions required for optimum cellulolytic activity, such as pH, concentration of the substrate, concentration of rumen microorganisms, and the duration of incubation, are given. The use of this technique in detecting unidentified factors, as well as in determining the mineral requirements for maximum utilization of cellulose by rumen microorganisms, was discussed.