VPB 321: Animal Biotechnology (2+1)

DNA TECHNOLOGIES IN RUMEN BIOLOGY

• Rumen biotechnology has the potential to improve the nutritive value of ruminant feedstuffs that are fibrous, low in nitrogen and of limited nutritional value for other animal species.
• Biotechnology can alter the amount and availability of carbohydrate and protein in plants as well as the rate and extent of fermentation and metabolism of these nutrients in the rumen.
• The potential applications of biotechnology to rumen microorganisms are many but technical difficulties limit its progress. Current limitations include: isolation and taxonomic identification of strains for inoculation and DNA recombination; isolation and characterisation of candidate enzymes; level of production, localisation and efficiency of secretion of the recombinant enzyme; stability of the introduced gene; fitness, survival and functional contribution of introduced new strains.
• Methods for improving rumen digestion in ruminants include the use of probiotics, supplementation with chelated minerals, and the transfer of rumen microorganisms from other species.