Microbial diversity during colonisation in the rumen

We hypothesise that the plant genome can determine effects on digestion via responses invoked in the microflora. Feed is colonised and degraded by a complex, anaerobic microbial population. Metagenomic, transcriptomic and metabolite profiling of the colonising microbial community are used in combination with unique plant germplasm to test if defined changes in plant material affect spatial and compositional aspects of community development and to understand microbially-based control of community development on plant particles.