Anaerobic molds of the rumen

Abstract

This review deals with the presence of anaerobic fungi in the rumen and with their ability to degrade ingested plant ceil wall. Attention has been given to rumen fungi since it has been estimated that they represent about 8% of the total rumen microbial mass. Their enzymatic complexes are able to hidrolize -1-6, -1-3 and -1-2 linkages present in structural carbohydrates and the activity of the enzymes appears to be regulated by substrate, temperature and pH. Differing from bacteria, fungi are able to colonize and degrade lignin-containing tissues, suggesting their potential to degrade the more recalcitrant plant cell wall. In addition, their ability to invade and ferment plant cell walls provides a means for subsequent bacterial action on structural carbohydrates.