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Protozoa
- Protozoa are larger than bacteria, accounting for 106/ml of rumen liquid
- Make up to 50% of the total microbial biomass
- Two types of protozoa:
1. Entodiniomorphs – beneficial, they produce enzymes that help digest the fiber in forage and plant particles
2. Holotrichs – undesirable, they engulf bacteria, as well as soluble sugars, reducing bacterial numbers and the microbial protein supply
- Present in a normal rumen in young calves from 3-6 weeks of age
- Easily killed by a low rumen pH and so are usually absent in animals fed a diet that promotes low pH
- Ruminants can function fine without protozoa; however, when present they perform better
- Will consume bacteria
- Will live from 8 to 36 hours
Bacteria
Rumen fungi
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