Monensin has no effect on growth and metabolism of Megasphaera elsdenii.

A rumen strain of Megasphaera elsdenii was grown on glucose and lactate in monensin-free and monensin-supplemented medium (10 mg/L). Monensin had no effect on growth rate, growth yields, metabolic pattern and composition of cells. Growth yields of dry matter and protein were higher in cultures supplied with glucose than in cultures supplied with lactate. The bacterium compensated the lower gain of energy from fermentation of lactate by rapid utilization of this substrate. Cells grown on glucose contained more saccharide and less protein than lactate-grown cells.