Rumen micro-organisms and their interactions

Ruminant animals have evolved a set of stomachs harbouring microorganisms which are capable of digesting fibrous materials, such as cellulose in plants. They account for almost all of the milk and more than half of the meat consumed worldwide. Therefore a great deal of research has been conducted on the digestive system of ruminants, and on the metabolism of products of digestion. As qualitative knowledge increased, it became possible to develop quantitative approaches, initially using complex statistical analyses but more recently by constructing mechanistic mathematical models. This book brings together quantitative approaches used in the study of mechanisms of ruminant digestion and metabolism. Written by leading authorities from the UK, United States, Canada and Australia, it is aimed at research workers and advanced students in animal sciences.