Physiological and biochemical characteristics of staphylococci isolated from the rumen of young calves and lambs.

Six strains of rumen ureolytic staphylococci were isolated from young calves and lambs. Three isolates were allotted to the species Staphylococcus xylosus. Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus gallinarum. The taxonomy of remaining three isolates was uncertain. Total numbers of staphylococci varied between 10(4) and 10(6) per 1 ml of the rumen fluid. Rumen Staphylococci utilized a wide range of substrates and produced a bacteriocin-like substance. No strain hydrolysed gelatin. All strains produced catalase and reduced nitrate. The main product of anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism was lactate accompanied by formate, acetate and ethanol. Most of strains were sensitive to ionophores, avoparcin, bacitracin and tylosin. All strains were sensitive to rifampicin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol.