title: A mechanistic model of hydrogen-methanogen dynamics in the rumen.
abstract: Existing mathematical models to estimate methane production in the rumen are based on calculation of hydrogen balances without considering the presence of methanogens. In this study, a mechanistic model of methane production is proposed that depicts the interaction between hydrogen concentration and methanogens in the rumen. Analytical results show that it meets biological expectations, namely increased fractional passage rate leads to a greater growth rate of methanogens, and a greater steady state hydrogen concentration. This model provides a basis on which to develop a more comprehensive model of methane production in the rumen that includes thermodynamics and feed fermentation pathways.
authors.affiliation: AgResearch, Grassland Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Yuancheng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: AgResearch, Grassland Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Tammy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Bruce van
authors.initials: Bv
authors.lastname: Brunt
authors.affiliation: AgResearch, Grassland Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. Electronic address: David.Pacheco@agresearch.co.nz.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pacheco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D008697:Methane / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012417:Rumen / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006859:Hydrogen; D008697:Methane
keywords: Hydrogen pool; Methanogens; Monod growth kinetics