Experimental designs for rumen microbiology

Abstract

Research and innovation in relation to microbiology of the rumen is based principally around functional attributes of the populations as they affect digestion and performance of the host animal. What is sought is a better understanding of the complex microbiological communities [4, 24] and identification of ways to manipulate these populations for specified objectives in ruminant production and environmental impact [27, 34]. Further objectives are to develop from that knowledge base, novel anaerobic systems for a range of purposes, such as generation of fuels, detoxification and degradation of waste materials [46]. © 2005 International Atomic Energy Agency.