title: Copper sulfate-induced fermentation changes in continuous cultures of the rumen microbial ecosystem.
abstract: The effect of CuSO(4) on fermentation was studied in a continuously cultured rumen ecosystem. CuSO(4), introduced at a level of 50 mg/500 ml of culture volume twice daily, caused a marked inhibition of fermentation of concentrates. Fermentation of alfalfa hay was not inhibited by the same CuSO(4) concentration when the inoculum for the culture was obtained from a cow maintained on a normal concentrate ration. When the inoculum was from a cow on a high concentrate ration, hay fermentation was partially inhibited by CuSO(4). Concentrations of CuSO(4) that did not inhibit the fermentation of alfalfa hay or hay-concentrate mixtures caused preferential production of propionic acid and decreased production of methane.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005285:Fermentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D000455:Medicago sativa; D008697:Methane / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011422:Propionates / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012417:Rumen / Q000382:microbiology*; D013431:Sulfates / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D011422:Propionates; D013431:Sulfates; D003300:Copper; D008697:Methane