Aspects of digestion and in vitro fermentation in the caecum of some East African herbivores

Abstract

Caecal digestive functions were compared in 22 species of East African herbivores. Comparisons were made between ruminant pseudo-ruminant, and non-ruminant herbivores to assess the relative in vitro fermentation rate and composition of caecal contents from these species observed in their natural habitat. Measurements were made of caecal fermentation rate, organic acid composition, osmolality, pH and dry matter content. The data were compared by foregut structure, feed preference and body weight of the herbivores