Methane production associated with rumen-ciliated protozoa and its effect on protozoan activity

Abstract

Methane production by methanogenic bacteria associated with ciliated protozoa in the rumen, and its effect on the metabolic activity of the protozoa, were measured in vitro. Apparent daily methane emission per protozoan cell ranged from a trace amount to 2 nmol. Enhanced substrate disappearance accompanIed methanogenesis.