Rumen microbes

Rumen microbes are tiny organisms—like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa—that live in the stomach of ruminant animals such as cows and sheep. They help break down fibrous plant material like grass and hay that the animals eat, which the animals can't digest on their own. These microbes produce enzymes that decompose complex plant molecules into simpler compounds, allowing the animals to extract nutrients and obtain energy. This symbiotic relationship is essential for the animal’s digestion and overall health, turning rough plant matter into valuable nutrients and enabling ruminants to thrive on a plant-based diet.