Factors that alter rumen microbial ecology

Ruminant animals and ruminal microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship t hat facilitates fiber digestion, but domestic ruminants in developed countr ies are often fed an abundance of grain and Little fiber. When ruminants ar e fed fiber-deficient rations, physiological mechanisms of homeostasis are disrupted, ruminal pH declines, microbial ecology is altered, and the anima l becomes more susceptible to metabolic disorders and, in some cases, infec tious disease. Some disorders can be counteracted by feed additives (for ex ample, antibiotics and buffers), but these additives can alter the composit ion of the ruminal ecosystem even further.