OptimalRumen brings together an interdisciplinary team to address these challenges supported by a strong synergism between in vitro and in silico (mathematical modelling) approaches. We will deploy an interdisciplinary approach covering INRAE expertise on rumen fermentation and dynamic modelling (MoSAR), rumen microbiology (UMRH), Inria-INRAE expertise on metabolic modelling and computational biology (PLEIADE). We will combine in vitro experiments, in silico modelling and omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics?) to elucidate the following fundamental question: What is the fate of H2 under methane inhibition and non-inhibition conditions and what is its impact on rumen microbial fermentation and methane production? To resolving this central question, our objectives are: (1) Quantify H2 transactions in rumen microbial fermentation under CH4 inhibition and non-inhibition conditions. (2) Investigate microbial interactions by rumen mini-consortia under different CH4 inhibition strategies. (3) Evaluate synergetic strategies for CH4 inhibition and H2 redirection under in vitro conditions close to rumen in vivo conditions. (4) Develop a genome-based model of rumen microbial fermentation with enhanced description of H2 transactions and predictive power.
