The Anterior Pituitary-like Activity of Rumen Contents

Abstract

IT is well established that alimentary microflora can synthesize vitamins which become available for the use of animals. The tremendous number of these Protozoa suggests that they may be of use to ruminants. Most investigations have been directed hitherto towards the role taken by the microflora and microfauna in digestion and vitamin synthesis, but there has been no definite information regarding the importance of the part played by the Protozoa in ruminants¹. It has been reported that œstrogen and thyroxine exert an inhibitory effect on the growth of some bacteria². Others have reported that the gonadotrophins of pregnant women's urine cause marked growth stimulation of Protozoa³. As there was a possibility that growth and reproduction of these micro-organisms are associated with some hormonal activity, it was decided to find out if rumen contents, Protozoa and bacteria possess hormonal activities.