Anatomical and nutritional adaptations in African rodents

Anatomical and nutritional adaptations were studied in four African rodents (Cricetomys gambianus, Mystromys albicaudatus, Thallomys paedulcus and Saccostomus campestris). The  stomachs of all species are markedly sacculated with a highly modified corpus containing either numerous papillae or several diverticula and a 'grenzfalte' separating the corpus from a glandular antrum. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the corpal papillae were colonized by numerous bacteria and were associated with a high α-amylase activity. Values for pH, volatile fatty acids and retention time suggest that little ruminant-like fibre digestion occurs in the stomach.