Anatomical and nutritional adaptations in African rodents

Abstract

Anatomical and nutritional adaptations were studied in four African rodents (Cricetomys gambianus, Mystromys albicaudatus, Thallomys paedulcus and Saccostomus campestris). The stomachs of all species are markedly sacculated with a highly modified corpus containing either numerous papillae or several diverticula and a 'grenzfalte' separating the corpus from a glandular antrum. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the corpal papillae were colonized by numerous bacteria and were associated with a high a-amylase activity. Values for pH, volatile fatty acids and retention time suggest that little ruminant-like fibre digestion occurs in the stomach.

Anatomiese en voedingsaanpassings is bestudeer by vier Afrikaanse knaagdiere (Cricetomys gambianus, Mystromys albicaudatus, Thallomys paedulcus en Saccostomus campestris). Die mae van al die spesies is opvallend gesakkuleer met 'n hoogs gewysigde korpus wat of talryke papille of verskeie divertikula bevat en 'n 'grenyfalte' wat die korpus van 'n klieragtige antrum skei. Skandeerelektronmikroskopie het aan die lig gebring dat die papille van die korpus gekoloniseer is deur talryke bakteriee en dit is ook die setel van sterk aamilase aktiwiteit. Waardes vir pH, vlugtige vetsure en retensie tyd dui daarop dat die veselvertering wat in die maag plaasvind baie min ooreenkoms toon met die in die grootpens.

Keywords: Herbivore, rodent, stomach, digestion, fermentation, amylolysis, symbionts, bacteria