In Pursuit of Understanding the Rumen Microbiome

The rumen plays an indispensable role in ruminants to utilize ligno-cellulosic material and convert non-protein nitrogen into nutrients otherwise unavailable for human consumption. Recent advancements the sequencing technology omics approach have provided profound insights world, wherein a consortium of archaea, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses exist interact. These ruminal microbes alter environment execute several interlinked metabolic cascades that produce substrates host’s energy body requirements. Methane is emitted as by-product during this complex fermentation process leading loss productivity while negatively impacting environment. As play ever-increasing our food supply chain, manipulating critical step towards maximizing ruminant product’s nutritional value reducing its carbon footprint. Diet most straightforward way microbiome, possibly conjunction with phytobiotics probiotics feed supplements. Early life interventions allow manipulation microbial population structure function could persist later on adult life. It has also been proven host exerts influence microbiome heritable trait. goal review provide better understanding rumen, key organisms, development identify, characterize, engineer efficient conversion methane reduction.