Abstract
SUMMARYIn order to characterize the rumen digestive physiology of South African wild ruminants investigations were made on a total of 35 individuals of six species killed in various regions during the dry season.In buffalo, blue wildebeest and gemsbok grasses constituted 85–100% and in impala, springbok and kuduless than 10% of the diet. In the case of the latter three species effects of the habitat and of predilection for certain plant materials were apparent.Compared with the grazers, the species feeding mainly on plant material other than grass were characterized by a smaller physiological capacity of the rumen reticulum, higher counts of ciliate protozoa and ‘large bacteria’, higher levels of rumen ammonia and higher molar proportions of rumen propionate and valerate. Within these feeding types differences between species were indicated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
