Utilization of Ruminal Epithelial Cells by Ruminococcus albus, with or without Rumen Protozoa, and Its Effect on Bacterial Growth

Effects of supplementation with ruminal epithelial cells on fiber-degrading activity and cell growth of Ruminococcus albus (R. albus, strain 7) was tested using a basal substrate of rice straw and formulated concentrate. Cultures of R. albus alone and R. albus with rumen protozoa were grown at $39^{\circ}C$ for 48 h with an 8.4% crude protein (CP) substrate, 33% of the CP supplemented with either ruminal epithelial cells or defatted soybean meal. The ruminal epithelial cells had lower amounts of rumen soluble and degradable protein fractions as compared to defatted soybean meal, as determined by an enzymatic method, and the same was found with amino acid composition of protein hydrolysates. Ruminal epithelial cells were directly utilized by the R. albus, and resulted in greater growth of cell-wall free bacteria compared to defatted soybean meal. The effect of epithelial cells on bacterial growth was enhanced by the presence of rumen protozoa. In consistency with cultures of R. albus and R. albus with rumen protozoa, fermentative parameters such as dry matter degradability and total volatile fatty acid did not differ between supplementation with ruminal epithelial cells or defatted soybean meal.