[Biochemical and physiologic properties of strains of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from the rumen of calves and lambs].

Nineteen strains of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from the rumen wall of calves and lambs were subjected to examinations. Their biochemical characteristics and antibiotic resistance were evaluated while 10 strains were sensitive to all tested antibiotics. Urease activity was recorded in 20% of the examined strains with the mean value 3.42 +/- 0.97 nkat/ml/h. Proteolytic activity was observed in all the examined strains. The mean value of lactate-dehydrogenase activity was 4.96 +/- 1.01 nkat/ml. The production of volatile fatty acids in the course of glucose fermentation was also tested. On the basis of the values of adherence index the strains were evaluated as medium adherent with affinity to rumen epithelial cells.