COMPETITION BETWEEN RUMINAL CELLULOLYTIC BACTERIA FOR ADHESION TO CELLULOSE

Competition for adhesion to cellulose among the three main ruminal cel lulolytic bacterial species was studied using differential radiolabeli ng (C-14/H-3) of cells, When added simultaneously to cellulose, Rumino coccus flavefaciens FD1 and Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 showed some c ompetition; however, both species were surpassed competitively by Rumi nococcus albus 20, When R. flavefaciens FD1 and F. succinogenes S85 we re already adherent,li. albus 20 adhesion occurred without inhibition but involved R. flavefaciens FD1 detachment.