Effects of lipopolysaccharide dosing on microbial fermentation and bacterial community composition in a dual-flow continuous culture system.. anaerobic digester metagenome

Acidic conditions in the rumen could cause lysis of Gram-negative bacteria and the release of free lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which has been suggested as a possible cause of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). This study compared dosing LPS ruminally (LPS diet, LPSD) against a SARA induced diet, and a control. The LPS dosing had no effects on the pH. Digestibility of fiber and protein in LPSD were not different from SARA induced diet. Meanwhile, LPS dosing in the fermenters changed bacterial community composition and decrease bacterial N and stimulated the growth of Gram-negative bacteria associated with starch digestion.