The Method by Which Ruminants Acquire Their Fauna of Infusoria, and Remarks Concerning Experiments on the Host-Specificity of These Protozoa

Abstract

The total gain in weight for the infusoria-free lot in 8 weeks was 156 lbs. as contrasted with 117 lbs. for the normal infected lot. Thus to date the infusoria-free lot has shown a weight increase of 133.3% as much as that of the other lot. The lambs were weighed individually and a table of individual weights each week in pounds and ounces will be published in a later paper. The experiment will continue at least until September first. The results of the experiment to date certainly indicate that, as measured by weight gains of growing animals, ruminants derive no benefit from the infusoria normally present in the first two divisions of their stomachs. We reserve our judgment as to whether or not these protozoa are a handicap until the experiment has progressed further. Acknowledgment.-The experiments reported in this note are being made possible by grants from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and from the BACHI FUND OF THs NATIONAL ACADZMY OF SCIENCES.

The Rumen Microbial Ecosystem

“…Since no resistant forms or cysts of rumen protozoa have been detected in feed, water or faeces, direct contact with a fauna ted animal appears to be the only route for transmission of these rumen organisms (Becker and Hsiung, 1929;Becker, 1932). Since no resistant forms or cysts of rumen protozoa have been detected in feed, water or faeces, direct contact with a fauna ted animal appears to be the only route for transmission of these rumen organisms (Becker and Hsiung, 1929;Becker, 1932).…”

“…Bovine-rumen ciliates were successfully established in protozoa-free or 'almost protozoa-free' goats by Becker and Hsiung (1929) and Dogiel and Winogradowa-Fedorowa (1930). a race of cattle Epidinium ecaudatum which would differ from a race of sheep E. ecaudatum.…”

“…Early observations indicated that the flagellates were transmitted much more easily and over greater distances than the ciliates; however, the organisms mentioned were generally those now identified as fungal zoospores (Becker, 1929;Becker and Hsiung, 1929;. by direct contact or in aerosols.…”

Establishment of a Spinated Type of Diplodinium rangiferi by Transfaunation of the Rumen Ciliates of Japanese Sika Deer (Cervus nippon centralist to the Rumen of Two Japanese Shorthorn Calves (Bos taurus taurus)

“…TRANSFAUNATION of rumen ciliates has been attempted by several reseachers (Becker and Hsiung 1929; Dehority 1978; Dogiel and Winogradowa‐Fedorowa 1930; Imai, Katsuno, and Ogimoto 1978; Naga, Abou‐Akkada, and El‐Shazly 1969). Results of those studies indicated that rumen ciliates have little host specificity; however, some ciliate species failed to reappear after transfaunation.…”

Characterization of the predominant bacteria occurring in the rumen of goats (Capra hircus)

“…Several quite thorough descriptive studies on the ciliate protozoa occurring in the rumen of goats have been reported (3,17,18), and no species have been observed that are considered to be specific to the goat rumen. Dogiel (17) found that the number of different protozoal species observed in goats was less than half the number in cattle and sheep.…”