I'm studying for a Ruminant Nutrition final exam and have a couple essay questions that I'm really struggling with...

Question

- How do ruminants fit into sustainable food production systems?

- Assume that you can genetically modify a rumen microbe to perform any reaction (e.g., detoxify an alkaloid or to alter ruminal metabolism). What modification would you choose and why?

- Ruminants contribute to methane and nitrous oxide emissions, and nitrogen and phosphorous in surface water. Your task is to genetically modify the rumen microbes to reduce the impact of ruminants on the environment. For example, is there a more efficient way to manage ruminal H production than methane production?

If someone could help me with at least one I would REALLY appreciate it! Thanks!