Selenium, Sulfur and Nitrogen Levels in Ovine Rumen Microorganisms

The nitrogen, sulfur and selenium content was determined of rumen microorganisms from sheep fed according to various dietary regimes. The rumen microorganisms contained an average of 8.0% nitrogen and .61% sulfur. The selenium content was extremely variable, ranging from .04 to 1.90 ppm. Selenium concentration of rumen microorganisms was 46-fold its dietary level on a dry matter basis, 11.3-fold on a nitrogen basis, or 26-fold on a sulfur basis.