Bacteriophages are also present in rumen in large numbers
ranging from 109 to 1010 particles/ml of rumen fluid (Klieve
and Swain 1993). About 26–40 morphologically distinct types
from three viral families (Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and
Podoviridae) have been reported from rumen (Klieve and
Bauchop 1988; Berg Miller et al. 2012). Phages play an
Table 1 (continued)
Microbial groups
and their numbers
Major genera/species Major functions References
Genera Dominant species
Eudiplodinium E. maggii
Isotricha I. prostoma, I. intestinalis
Metadinium M. medium, M. affine
Oligoisotricha O. bubali
Ophrysclolex O. caudatus
Ostracodinium O. trivesiculatum
Polyplastron P. multivesiculatum
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol (2012) 95:1135–1154 1137important role in population dynamics of rumen bacteria and
methanogens and thus maintaining a balance in rumen microbial
communities (Klieve and Swain 1993). Their hostspecific
nature and lytic activities makes these phages and
their genes very important sources for developing methane
mitigation strategies; however, more studies are warranted to
identify methanogens specific phages