Fibrobacter

Fibrobacter is a genus of gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria found in the digestive tracts of herbivorous mammals. These bacteria are obligate anaerobes, meaning they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. They play a crucial role in the digestion of plant material, particularly cellulose and other complex carbohydrates, in the rumen of ruminant animals like cattle, sheep, and goats.

The primary function of Fibrobacter species is to break down plant fiber through a process called fiber degradation. They produce a suite of enzymes, including cellulases and hemicellulases, that hydrolyze the long chains of cellulose and hemicellulose into smaller sugars. These smaller sugars are then fermented by other bacteria in the rumen, producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs). VFAs, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are the main energy source for ruminant animals. Without Fibrobacter, herbivores would struggle to extract sufficient nutrients from their fibrous diets.

Fibrobacter succinogenes and Fibrobacter intestinalis are two well-known species within this genus. Their presence and activity are essential for efficient feed utilization and overall health in grazing animals. Research into Fibrobacter is ongoing, focusing on understanding their enzymatic machinery and their impact on animal nutrition and the broader ecosystem.