Quinella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Veillonellaceae. These bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in environments lacking oxygen. Quinella species are commonly found in the rumen of ruminant animals, such as cattle and sheep, where they play a role in the fermentation of dietary components. They are known to ferment lactate, a byproduct of other bacterial fermentation processes in the rumen, into propionate, a volatile fatty acid that serves as a major energy source for the animal. This lactate utilization helps prevent ruminal acidosis, a potentially harmful condition caused by excessive lactate accumulation. The type species of the genus is Quinella ovalis. Research on Quinella species is ongoing to further understand their metabolic capabilities and their contribution to the overall rumen ecosystem.
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