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Potential for Manipulation of the Rumen Fermentation through the Use of Recombinant DNA Techniques^1,2,

University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1

Abstract

Recombinant DNA techniques offer a new approach to the study and eventual genetic manipulation of rumen bacteria to modify the rate and extent of nutrient digestion within the rumen. The foreign genes cloned into a rumen bacterium undoubtedly will have to enhance its ability to compete: otherwise, the new trait will be lost from the highly competitive environment within the rumen. As a general rule, the types of metabolic activities amenable to gene cloning may be those that enhance substrate versatility or eliminate a dependence of a specific rumen bacteria on cross-feeding by other rumen microorganisms. Enhanced substrate diversity and bypassing cross-feeding probably will become more important as the use of highly refined feeds and waste materials from the food and other industries are used in greater quantities to meet the dietary needs of ruminants.

¹ The authors thank B. McBride, C. M. Forsberg and M. McGavin for reviewing the manuscript, L. R. Krumholz for information on lignin metabolism, and Donna Eby for typing the manuscript. Appreciation is expressed to the following scientists for access to unpublished manuscripts: G. Hazelwood, L. R. Krumholz, S. P. Mann and R. M. Teather. Support for research in this area has been provided by the Natural Sci. and Eng. Res. Council of Canada and the Natl. Res. Council of Canada.

² Presented by the senior author at a symposium on "Future Impact of Biotechnology in Animal Science", held August 14, 1985 at the 77th Annu. Meet. of the Amer. Soc. of Anim. Sci., Univ. of Georgia, Athens.

³ Dept. of Microbiol.

⁴ Plant Biotechnol. Res. Inst., NRCC, 110 Gymnasium Rd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. S7N 0W9.

⁵ Biotechnol. Res. Inst., NRCC, c/o Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Ave. Des Pins Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 1A1.