Ruminococcus

Ruminococcus is a genus of Gram-positive, anaerobic, coccoid bacteria of the family Clostridiaceae living in animal rumens. Ruminococcus albus can produce glycosidases, while R. flavefaciens yields cellulases, enzymes that break down plant fibre. These bacteria are central to how ruminants digest forage, fermenting cellulose that the animal itself cannot break down and supplying energy as volatile fatty acids. These bacteria are central to how ruminants digest forage, fermenting cellulose the animal itself cannot break down and supplying energy as volatile fatty acids.