Degradation of two protein sources at three solids retention times in continuous culture
We hypothesize that the alterations in the rumen microbial population and metabolic activities that result from increases in digesta turnover rates may maintain protein degradation at a level higher than would be predicted from calculations that apply assumed digesta passage rates to in situ data. One such change in the population is the expected decline in protozoa numbers with decreasing solids retention times ( SRT) in our culture system. Crawford et al. (1980b) reported a decrease in protozoa from 10,000 to < 1,000/mL as SRT was decreased from 29.7 to 14.3 h.
