Aspects of digestion and in vitro rumen fermentation rate in six species of East African wild ruminants

Abstract

Studies were carried out to compare digestive functions in six species of East African wild ruminants (viz. African buffalo, giraffe, Eland, waterbuck, oryx and Gerenuk). Digestive processes within the reticulorumen, abomasum and caecum of each species were assessed by measurements of pH, ammonia‐nitrogen, osmolality, volatile fatty acids, lactic acid and in vitro fermentation rates. Blood glucose and serum urea‐nitrogen were also measured in all species. The results are discussed in relation to the dietary habits and ecology of each species.