A snapshot of the rumen protozoa: Protozoal contribution toward carbohydrate metabolism

Protozoa, along with fungi, represent the rumen eukaryotome and account for up to 50% of microbial biomass. Nonetheless, they are often overlooked. It is established that the rumen protozoa play a significant role in carbohydrate metabolism yet few of these enzymes have been identified and characterised. Enzymes previously isolated from the rumen microbiome have shown great potential for application in industry (biodiesel manufacture, the food industry, washing detergents etc.) suggesting a wealth of untapped, novel activity may be found in the rumen eukaryotes