Dominance of Methanomicrobium phylotype in methanogen population present in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Aims:  To study the diversity of rumen methanogens in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ) from North India by using 16S rRNA gene libraries obtained from the pooled rumen content from four animals and using suitable software analysis.
Methods and Results:  Genomic DNA was isolated and PCR was set up by using specific primers. Amplified product was cloned into a suitable vector and the positive clones were selected on the basis of blue–white screening and sequenced. The resulting nucleotide sequences were arranged in the phylogenetic tree. A total of 108 clones were examined, revealing 17 different 16S rRNA gene sequences or phylotypes. Of the 17 phylotypes, 15 (102 of 108 clones) belonged to the genus Methanomicrobium , indicating that the genus Methanomicrobium is the most dominant component of methanogen populations in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ) from North India. The largest group of clones (102 clones) was more than 98% similar to Methanomicrobium mobile . BLAST analysis of the rumen contents from individual animals also revealed 17 different phylotypes with a range of 3–10 phylotypes per animal.
Conclusion:  Methanomicrobium phylotype is the most dominant phylotype of methanogens present in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ).
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Effective strategies can be made to inhibit the growth of Methanomicrobium phylotype to reduce the methane emission from rumen contents and thus help in preventing global warming.