Vol. 9, Special Issue 4, Part C (2024)

Author(s): Dr. Tathagat P Khobragade, Dr. Loukik Raut, Dr. Abhiruchi Damor, Dr. Mihirkumar Pandya, Dr. Darshan Ramana, Dr. Ankita Majeli and Dr. Atokali Yeptho

Abstract: The rumen is the foremost and largest of the four chambers within the ruminant foregut. Its microbial ecosystem involves intricate interactions among anaerobic inhabitants, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea, and bacteriophage. Within the rumen, these microorganisms thrive in an environment conducive to producing the enzymes required for nutrient digestion. Key factors such as temperature, pH, buffering capacity, osmotic pressure, and redox potential significantly influence the growth and function of these microbes. Ruminant diets are predominantly plant-based, containing various toxic compounds that can adversely affect their health. Rumen microbes are crucial for digesting these diets, but how they establish themselves after birth and adapt to anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) such as tannins, cyanogens, saponins, etc. in their diet, remains poorly understood. This review provides an overview of rumen microbial establishment, the impact of ANFs on rumen microbes, and the strategies employed by these microbes to counteract ANFs. The resilience of the rumen microbiota to ANFs is highlighted, focusing on adaptation mechanisms such as microbial tolerance, enzymatic detoxification by specific bacteria, and shifts in microbial community composition. Understanding these interactions could improve feed efficiency, lessen environmental impact, and enhance animal health outcomes.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i4Sc.1595