Nutritional-Value of Hypogeal Fungal Sporocarps for the Long-Nosed Potoroo (Potorous-Tridactylus), a Forest-Dwelling Mycophagous Marsupial

摘要: Although mycophagy (fungus-feeding) is widespread among small ground-dwelling mammals, there has been little evaluation of the nutritional benefits this feeding habit. In Australia, some members Potoroidae (or rat-kangaroo family) consume large amounts hypogeal fungi throughout year. Hypogeal appear to be marginal quality for mammals with simple stomachs but potoroos have an enlarged forestomach in which microbial fermentation takes place, and may allow more effective utilisation protected nitrogenous components structural carbohydrates fungi. a experiment, we evaluated value sporocarps Mesophellia glauca (Mg) Rhizopogon luteolus (R1), long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridacytlus). concentration nitrogen was high both fungi, much that non-protein form or associated cell walls either low from digestive enzymes. The cell-wall constituents (fibre) suggesting availability digestible energy. Despite these features, digestibilities dry matter (Mg 86%, Rl 80%), ingested 72%, 72%) energy (kJ kg-1) 93%, 76%) were high. Consequently, P. tridactylus maintained positive balance intakes metabolisable We conclude represent nutritionally valuable food rat-kangaroos suggest lack foregut-fermentation strategy other similar-sized forests south-eastern Australia explains why they use fungal resource lesser extent than do rat-kangaroos.