Difference between revisions of "Lizard Digestion"

Revision as of 14:53, 10 March 2010

Lizards are ectothermic and therefore the temperature of their environment affects their body processes which are highly temperature-dependent. Low temperaturs may slow down or even stop all digestion and can have adverse effects on assimilation (i.e. in monitor lizards). For example, an iguana kept at 28°C will eat but its food will not be digested properly. Digestion is extremely slow at ambient temperatures between 10°C and 15°C and digestion comes to a halt when temperatures drop below 7°C.

Suboptimal temperatures can lead to serious complications such as bloat, constipation or maldigestion.

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-==Effect of ambient temperature==
+Lizards are ectothermic and therefore the temperature of their environment affects their body processes which are highly temperature-dependent. Low temperaturs may slow down or even stop all digestion and can have adverse effects on assimilation (i.e. in monitor lizards). For example, an iguana kept at 28°C will eat but its food will not be digested properly. Digestion is extremely slow at ambient temperatures between 10°C and 15°C and digestion comes to a halt when temperatures drop below 7°C.
-Lizards are [[Ectothermy|ectothermic]] and therefore the temperature of their environment affects their body processes which are highly temperature-dependent. Temperature will affect enzymatic activity, the decomposition rate of ingested elements, the absorption through the gut mucosa, peristalsis (and gut transit times) and possibly gut flora.
+Suboptimal temperatures can lead to serious complications such as bloat, constipation or maldigestion.
-Low temperatures may slow down or even stop all digestion and can have adverse effects on assimilation (i.e. in [[Monitor|monitor]] lizards).
-*For example, an iguana kept at 28°C will eat but its food will not be digested properly.
-*Between 10°C and 15°C, digestion is extremely slow.
-*Digestion comes to a halt when temperatures drop below 7°C.
-Suboptimal temperatures can lead to serious complications such as [[Lizard Bloat|bloat]], constipation or maldigestion. It is therefore crucial to offer the most appropriate temperature range by providing suitable [[Lizard Housing|heat sources, temperatures, and light intensities]], in order to stimulate [[Lizard Feeding|feeding]] and basking behaviour (which promote postprandial digestion).
-'''For information on the lizard digestive system, see''' [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|Lizard Gastrointestinal System]].
-==References==
-* Girling, S.J. (2004). ''BSAVA Manual of Reptiles''. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. pp. 350. ISBN 0905214757
-[[Category:Lizard_Physiology|D]]

Difference between revisions of "Lizard Digestion"

Revision as of 14:53, 10 March 2010

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