CONTINUOUS CULTURE OF ANAEROBIC RUMEN BACTERIA: MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF THE CYCLONE COLUMN CULTURE SYSTEM

Abstract

The requirements for a continuous culture system for extended studies of the growth physiology of functional rumen bacteria are outlined and the choice of Dawson's (1963) cyclone column culture vessel as the basis for further development is explained. The modifications required for establishment and maintenance of anaerobiosis, for pH control and for increasing the reliability and utility of this system are described. The general performance of the modified system is discussed and illustrated by results obtained during extended runs with a strain of Ruminococcus albus and a Butyrivibrio species.