Investigating the Rumen Microflora of Monoterpene Tolerant Goats

Abstract

The Juniper plant is an invasive species in western areas of the United States. Camphor, a monoterpene that is abundant in Juniper is found to be 5 times more abundant in intolerant monoterpene goats when consumed than tolerant monoterpene goats. Media with the addition of camphor is investigated during this study to identify suitable growing conditions to compare tolerant and intolerant monoterpene rumen microflora. An ethanol and camphor solution is swabbed and injected into different media plates. The solution is also added to TSA broth before solidification. Intolerant rumen microflora bacteria is grown on each and compared. Results showed significant growth when camphor is added to the TSA broth before solidification into a plate.