* The rumen: Cattle have a specialized stomach called the rumen, which is a fermentation chamber. This environment is largely oxygen-free, making it ideal for anaerobic bacteria to thrive.
* Digestive processes: Anaerobic bacteria play a crucial role in breaking down complex plant material like cellulose, which cattle consume. This process, known as fermentation, produces volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that provide the cattle with energy.
* Oxygen sensitivity: While some aerobic bacteria may exist in the intestines, their numbers are significantly lower compared to anaerobic bacteria. This is because the rumen environment is oxygen-poor, and many aerobic bacteria cannot survive in such conditions.
Therefore, the majority of bacteria in cattle intestines, particularly in the rumen, are anaerobic.