The digestive morphophysiology of wild, free-living, giraffes

摘要: We have measured rumen-complex (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) and intestine (small large combined) mass in 32 wild giraffes of both sexes with body masses ranging from 289 to 1441 kg, parotid gland mass, tongue length masseter mandible 9 other 181 1396 kg. estimated metabolic energy production rates, feed intake home range size. Interspecific analysis mature ruminants show that components the digestive system increase linearly (Mb(1)) or positively allometric (Mb(>1)) while variables associated scale rate (Mb(.75)). Conversely, ontogenetic increases were negatively (Mb(<1)), isometric (Mb(1)). The relative muscle (0.14% Mb) (0.03% are smaller than ruminants. Increases head length(0.72) Mb(.32) Mb(.69). Absolute gastrointestinal tract increased throughout growth but its declined 20% 15% Mb. Rumen-complex fermentation provides ca 43% daily needs, 24% 33% by digestion soluble carbohydrates, proteins, lipids. Dry matter (kg) was 2.4% juveniles 1.6% adults. Energy requirements 35 Mj/day 190 Mj/day. Browse sustains a core 2.2-11.8 km(2).