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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Hindgut fermenters evolved to eat a herbivorous diet. Therefore they ingest large quantities of insoluble plant carbohydrates, such as cellulose, hemicelluloses and pentosans. Mammalian enzymes cannot digest these insoluble carbohydrates, but microbial enzymes can. They have anatomical adaptations to allow for an expanded microbial population to make digestion more efficient.

Hindgut fermenters evolved to eat a herbivorous diet. Such a diet includes large quantities of insoluble plant carbohydrates, such as cellulose. Mammals cannot digest these insoluble carbohydrates as they lack the essential enzymes, such as cellulase. However it is important that they do digest these carbohydrates as there is insufficient quantity of soluble carbohydrates in plant material. Some microbes do have the enzymes to digest these insoluble carbohydrates and so hindgut fermenters hold a symbiotic relationship with these microbes. Hindgut fermenters have anatomical adaptations to allow for an expanded microbial population.

Hindgut fermenters need a source of fibre in their diet as it stimulates peristalsis in the gut and prevents a build up of gas.

It is important to supply a source of fibre in their diet as it stimulates peristalsis in the gut and prevents a build up of gas.

::[[Hindgut Fermenters - Horse - Anatomy & Physiology|Horse]]

::[[Hindgut Fermenters - Horse - Anatomy & Physiology|Horse]]

::[[Hindgut Fermenters - Rabbit - Anatomy & Physiology|Rabbit]]

::[[Hindgut Fermenters - Rabbit - Anatomy & Physiology|Rabbit]]

::[[Hindgut Fermenters - Elephant - Anatomy & Physiology|Elephant]]

::[[Hindgut Fermenters - Elephant - Anatomy & Physiology|Elephant]]