Anatomical and nutritional adaptations in African rodents

Author: M.R. Perrin & A.H. Maddock
Year: 1983
Issue: 1
Volume: 13
Page: 23 - 25

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.

Keywords: amylolysis, bacteria, digestion, fermentation, Herbivore, rodent, stomach, symbionts
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