The rumen microbiome: Abrief review
https://doi.org/10.21323/2414-438X-2026-11-1-45-56
Abstract
The rumen microbiome is a complex dynamic community of microorganisms that participate in digestion and provide an utmost impact on the cattle efficiency. Despite significant advancements in microbiome research, understanding the formation and management of the rumen microbiome still remains a significant scientific challenge. This topic holds both economic and environmental importance. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze and arrange structurally the current knowledge about the composition and functions of the rumen microbiome for further application of this knowledge in livestock farming. The article emphasizes that diet is an important factor that defines the composition and variability of the microbiome. This work demonstrates that the main functions of the rumen are provided by mutually coordinated groups of bacteria, methanogenic archaea, bacteriophages, protozoa, and fungi. The review covers various microbial groups in the rumen and their functions, as well as the factors that influence changes in the microbial community. Traditional methods of studying the rumen microbiome, based on culture-based techniques, have been significantly improved by the introduction of modern sequencing technologies. The review also explores the history of microbiome research and the “Hungate 1000 collection” project. This work demonstrates how metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics have not only discovered numerous previously unknown microorganisms, but also provided insights into their functional roles. The systematization of knowledge presented in this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the rumen microbiome as a dynamic object for innovation targeted at improving the productivity, sustainability, and environmental safety of modern livestock farming.
About the Authors
A. A. NovikovaRussian Federation
Alina A. Novikova, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Assistant, Head of the Laboratory of Systems and Product Quality Control, Department of Bioeconomics and Biosafety, Institute of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Food Systems, Advanced Engineering School
10 Ajax Bay, Russky Island, 690922, Vladivostok
A. A. Maksimenko
Russian Federation
Anastasiia A. Maksimenko, PhD in Agriculture, Associate Professor, Department of Integrated Projects, Institute of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Food Systems, Advanced Engineering School
10 Ajax Bay, Russky Island, 690922, Vladivostok
A. V. Sidorenko
Russian Federation
Andrey V. Sidorenko, Assistant Professor, Department of Integrated Projects, Institute of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Food Systems, Advanced Engineering School
10 Ajax Bay, Russky Island, 690922, Vladivostok
A. B. Podvolotskaya
Russian Federation
Anna B. Podvolotskaya, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomics and Biosafety, Institute of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Food Systems, Advanced Engineering School
10 Ajax Bay, Russky Island, 690922, Vladivostok
L. A. Tekutyeva
Russian Federation
Liudmila A. Tekutyeva, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Institute of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Food Systems, Director of Advanced Engineering School
10 Ajax Bay, Russky Island, 690922, Vladivostok
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Review
For citations:
Novikova A.A., Maksimenko A.A., Sidorenko A.V., Podvolotskaya A.B., Tekutyeva L.A. The rumen microbiome: Abrief review. Theory and practice of meat processing. 2026;11(1):45-56. https://doi.org/10.21323/2414-438X-2026-11-1-45-56
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