Distribution of 2-Aminoethylphosphonic Acid in Some Rumen Microorganisms

Abstract

Acid hydrolysates of dried rumen contents, clarified rumen liquor, washed suspensions of mixed rumen bacteria, pure strains of rumen bacteria, washed suspensions of rumen ciliate protozoa, and the rations fed (hay and grain) were analyzed for 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEP). Most of the AEP was in bound form. No AEP was detected in mixed rumen bacteria or in pure cultures of Streptococcus bovis, Selenomonas ruminantium and Bacteroides succinogenes. The ration was devoid of AEP. Almost all AEP in rumen liquor was in protozoal cells. Isotricha sp. contained greater quantities of AEP than Entodinium sp. Determination of total carbon-phosphorus compounds showed that the protozoal cells contained other substances related to AEP. The possiblity of using AEP as a marker to measure rumen protozoal populations is suggested. © 1968, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.