The Hungate Collection: a Catalogue of Isolates and Genomes from the Rumen Microbiome

Ruminant livestock underpin food security in many regions of the world. Their growth and productivity depend on a symbiotic microbial community within the rumen, which ferments plant polysaccharides into nutrients for the host. Here we present a reference collection of 410 isolate cultures and genomes covering all cultivated rumen-associated archaeal and bacterial families. This extensive genome and culture collection constitutes a key biological resource to advance our understanding of rumen microbiome diversity and function, and holds potential for determining a favourable balance between increased food production and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.