Factors Necessary for the Growth of Bacteroides Succinogenes in the Volatile Acid Fraction of Rumen Fluid

Abstract

Factors necessary for growth of B. succinogenes and present in the volatile acid fraction of rumen fluid were identified. Any one of the branched-chain saturated acids, isobutyric, isovaleric, or dl-alpha-methyl-n-butyric can be used as one component. Any one of a number of straight-chain saturated fatty acids can be used as the 2nd component. These include C5 to C8 acids. Some activity for the 2nd component was found in palmitic and stearic acids but none in lauric acid. Minimum concentrations for good growth when n-valeric and isovaleric acids are used are about 3 and 15 [mu][image], respectively, per 10 ml of medium. All available strains of B. succinogenes require these acids.