5,582
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Snake Feeding and Digestion (view source)
Revision as of 16:17, 16 August 2010
, 16:17, 16 August 2010no edit summary
{{review}}
{{review}}
[[Image:Boa_constrictor_240x180_border.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''[[Boa constrictor]] feeding''' © RVC]]
==Introduction==
All snakes are carnivores. With over 2900 different species, some snakes have highly [[Snake Diet|specialised diets]] (eggs, lizards, frogs, fish, fish eggs or invertebrates such as slugs or termites) while others are generalists and will eat a wide variety of prey items. Common pet snakes such as rat snakes, milk snakes boas and [[Royal Python|pythons]] typically feed on rodents but some pet and many exhibition snakes require [[Snake Diet|special diets]]. It is therefore necessary to have species-specific information to determine the most appropriate prey.
All snakes are carnivores. With over 2900 different species, some snakes have highly [[Snake Diet|specialised diets]] (eggs, lizards, frogs, fish, fish eggs or invertebrates such as slugs or termites) while others are generalists and will eat a wide variety of prey items. Common pet snakes such as rat snakes, milk snakes boas and [[Royal Python|pythons]] typically feed on rodents but some pet and many exhibition snakes require [[Snake Diet|special diets]]. It is therefore necessary to have species-specific information to determine the most appropriate prey.
Snakes do not chew their food and prey is eaten whole, including up to 30% predigested vegetable matter which comes from the prey animal.
The gastrointestinal tract of the snake is simple and relatively short compared to other reptiles. Due to this aspect of comparative physiology, it is vital that these animals are given a high quality diet in captivity to maximise the absorption of essential nutrients.
The gastrointestinal tract of the snake is simple and relatively short compared to other reptiles. Due to this aspect of comparative physiology, it is vital that these animals are given a high quality diet in captivity to maximise the absorption of essential nutrients.
Mechanical and enzymatic decomposition of food begins in the stomach. The glands possess epithelial (acinopeptic cells) that produce both pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Digestion is continued and completed in the small intestine.
* '''Find out information on the''' [[Snake Digestive System]].
* '''Find out information on the''' [[Snake Digestive System]].