NEW DATA ON THE DEGRADATION OF FRESH LUCERN FRAGMENTS BY THE RUMEN CILIATE Epidinium ecaudatum: ATTACHMENT, INGESTION AND DIGESTION

Epidinium may attach to fragments of lucerne by its anterior end, distinct from the vestibular aperture. The ingestion implies vestibular "pseudopods." Degradation of cytoplasm, chloroplasts and cell walls inside the ciliate involves their segregation, then a progressive fragmentation of digestive vacuoles; it is independent of swallowed bacteria. Key words: Epidinium, lucern, attachment, ingestion, digestion