An improved technique for the isolation of holotrich protozoa from rumen contents by differential filtration with defined aperture textiles

An improved differential filtration method for the isolation of preparations of the holotrich protozoa Dasytricha ruminantium and mixed Isotricha prostoma and I. intestinalis from rumen contents is described. The technique utilizes combinations of defined aperture Nylon or polyester textiles, which are superior to the sintered glass filters previously used in the isolation of rumen protozoa. Data obtained in a comparative study of some aspects of the metabolic activity exhibited by cell preparations isolated by the two filtration procedures are presented.