Factors affecting the uptake and metabolism of soluble carbohydrates by the rumen ciliate Dasytricha ruminantium isolated from ovine rumen contents by filtration.

A filtration technique is described whereby metabolically-active suspensions of Dasytricha ruminantium can be isolated from rumen contents with negligible contamination by bacteria or other protozoa. The effects of environmental factors and of the diurnal cycle of the rumen on the uptake and metabolism of soluble carbohydrates by these isolated cells were examined. The principal contribution of the protozoan metabolic end-products to the host ruminant is the supply of lactic, acetic and butyric acids during periods when soluble sugars are in excess.