This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dehority, B A Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Dehority, B A Agricola Articles by Dehority, B A

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1984 July; 48(1): 182-185

Evaluation of subsampling and fixation procedures used for counting rumen protozoa.

ABSTRACT

Total numbers of protozoa can be significantly lower in rumen fluid than in whole rumen contents, depending on the time of sampling and the procedure used to separate the fluid and solid fractions. Moreover, generic distribution in rumen fluid was significantly affected in all cases tested. The percentage of Entodinium spp. increased, whereas percentages of Diplodinium spp. and Ophryoscolex spp. decreased. Microscopic observation of fresh and fixed rumen contents did not indicate any marked attachment of protozoa to particulate matter. In addition, dilution of whole rumen contents with water, 5 mM sucrose, or 0.1% Tween 80 before fixation did not affect total numbers or generic composition of protozoa. It was thus concluded that attachment to feed particles is probably not a problem in counting procedures. Blending of whole rumen contents to facilitate subsampling caused a decrease in numbers of protozoa. The concentration of formaldehyde used for preservation of rumen contents, 4, 10, or 18.5%, did not affect the total count.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Skillman, L. C., Toovey, A. F., Williams, A. J., Wright, A.-D. G. (2006). Development and Validation of a Real-Time PCR Method To Quantify Rumen Protozoa and Examination of Variability between Entodinium Populations in Sheep Offered a Hay-Based Diet. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 72: 200-206 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Sylvester, J. T., Karnati, S. K. R., Yu, Z., Morrison, M., Firkins, J. L. (2004). Development of an Assay to Quantify Rumen Ciliate Protozoal Biomass in Cows Using Real-Time PCR. J. Nutr. 134: 3378-3384 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Yanez Ruiz, D. R., Martin Garcia, A. I., Moumen, A., Molina Alcaide, E. (2004). Ruminal fermentation and degradation patterns, protozoa population and urinary purine derivatives excretion in goats and wethers fed diets based on olive leaves. J ANIM SCI 82: 3006-3014 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Yanez Ruiz, D. R., Moumen, A., Martin Garcia, A. I., Molina Alcaide, E. (2004). Ruminal fermentation and degradation patterns, protozoa population, and urinary purine derivatives excretion in goats and wethers fed diets based on two-stage olive cake: Effect of PEG supply. J ANIM SCI 82: 2023-2032 [Abstract] [Full Text]