Influence Of Time Of Addition Of Antibiotic On In Vitro Life Of Rumen Holotrich Protozoa

EXTENDED maintenance in vitro of rumen oligotrich protozoa has been reported by Coleman1. Similar results have not been achieved with the rumen holotrich protozoa2. Coleman1 suggested that to accomplish maintenance of the oligotrich protozoa satisfactorily, it was desirable to control the numbers of bacteria present rather than to eliminate them. One of the principal differences between oligotrich and holotrich protozoa is that the former ingests and then digests starch granules, while holotrichs utilize mainly soluble carbohydrates3. In view of this fact, it would seem possible that competition between bacteria and protozoa for available substrate may be greater in the case of holotrichs than with oligotrichs.