Difference between revisions of "Elephant Alimentary System - Anatomy & Physiology"
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
| − | Elephant anatomy is very much comparable to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Horse - Anatomy & Physiology|horse]] and [[Hindgut Fermenters - Rabbit - Anatomy & | + | Elephant anatomy is very much comparable to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Horse - Anatomy & Physiology|horse]] and [[Hindgut Fermenters - Rabbit - Anatomy & Physiology|rabbit]]. Microbes are present in the hindgut that produce [[Volatile Fatty Acids - Anatomy & Physioogy|Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs)]]. VFAs make a substantial contribution to the elephant's total energy requirements. Food has a relatively fast transit time and as a result elephants have a low digestive efficiency (44% as opposed to 60% in [[Hindgut Fermenters - Horse - Anatomy & Physiology|horses]]). A fast transit time is achieved by a short GIT, reduced [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]] and increased GIT diameter. Their digestive strategy is to pass as large a quantity of low quality food through their digestive tract within a short period of time. |
==Features== | ==Features== | ||
Revision as of 08:56, 29 July 2008
Introduction
Elephant anatomy is very much comparable to the horse and rabbit. Microbes are present in the hindgut that produce Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs). VFAs make a substantial contribution to the elephant's total energy requirements. Food has a relatively fast transit time and as a result elephants have a low digestive efficiency (44% as opposed to 60% in horses). A fast transit time is achieved by a short GIT, reduced caecum and increased GIT diameter. Their digestive strategy is to pass as large a quantity of low quality food through their digestive tract within a short period of time.
Features
- Natural diet is high in fibre (36%) and low in protein (7-10%)
- Juvenile elephants require 3 kg of feed per 100kg of body weight per day
- The passage time of food through the gastrointestinal tract ranges from 18 to 24 hours.
- No gall bladder
- Taenia and sacculations are not as clearly defined as in the horse