Estimation of ruminal bacteriophage numbers by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and laser densitometry

Article Abstract:

A method for quantifying bacteriophages present in the ruminal fluid was developed. The procedure involved the separation of phage particles by differential centrifugation and ultrafiltration, followed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and laser densitometry to estimate phage numbers. Application of the procedure showed that the rumen ecosystem contains a large and dynamic phage population arising probably from continual lysis of ruminal bacteria.

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Natural viability and diurnal fluctuations within the bacteriophage population of the rumen

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted on the diversity of phage populations in various animal species, in animals found separately or together and variation in animals over time. Differences were investigated through the use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Phage activity was found to vary between groups of animals and individual animals, and a noticeable diurnal variation within animals fed once a day was observed.

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Naturally occurring DNA transfer system associated with membrane vesicles in cellulolytic Ruminococcus spp. of ruminal origin

Article Abstract:

A genetic transformation system with similarities to those reported for gram-negative bacteria was found to be associated with membrane vesicles of the ruminal cellulolytic genus Ruminococcus. It appears that membrane-associated transformation plays a role in lateral gene transfer in complex microbial ecosystems, such as the rumen.

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