Bovine rumen bacterium, SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Rumen bacterium (Prevotella ruminicola). Prevotella ruminicola (also known as Bacteroides ruminicola or Bacteroides melaninogenicus) is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium (prokaryote) that thrive in anaerobic (no oxygen) growth conditions. P. ruminicola is commonly found in the rumen and hindgut of cattle and sheep. This bacterium helps breakdown protein and carbohydrate food sources. P. ruminicola is used to prevent the bovine disease rumen acidosis that greatly affects milk production in cattle by disrupting the typical digestive processes of the bovine stomach. Prevotella species have been studied in order to counteract its pathogenesis. Magnification: x3,000 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.