Abstract
One of three groups of microorganisms that can be found in the rumen of ruminants is the ciliate protozoa. Isotrichid and Entodiniomorphid are the two categories into which ciliate protozoa can be separated in the rumen. This mini-review briefly describes the role of protozoa in ruminant metabolism and fiber digestion, as well as the influence on animal performance. The role of the rumen is carried out by diverse groups of microorganisms residing within it, including protozoa. Rumen protozoa are responsible for digesting approximately 19% to 28% of the total fibrous material in the rumen. These microorganisms within the rumen have the capability to acclimate to an anaerobic environment through a fermentation process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. Forages that contain cellulose can be transformed by rumen protozoa into easily absorbed chemicals and energy. For a variety of reasons, protozoa are beneficial to their hosts. Metabolic process is the first, while fiber digestion is the second. The amounts of fermentation products including methane, ammonia, lactate, propionate, butyrate, and others are maintained in large part by protozoa. When ciliate protozoa are eliminated from the rumen, the amount of microbial protein produced can rise by up to 30% while methane production can fall by up to 11%. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the involvement of rumen protozoa in the degradation of forage within the rumen, as well as their potential to enhance ruminant growth, reduce methane emissions, and positively contribute to the fermentation process in herbivores.