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Nutrition And Housing > Hindgut Fermenters > Flashcards

Hindgut Fermenters Flashcards

1
Q

Which linkages in soluble carbs?

A

Alpha

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2
Q

Which linkages in insoluble carbs?

A

Beta

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3
Q

List the macronutrients

A

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids

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4
Q

Unit of measuring macronutrients?

A

g/kg

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5
Q

What are micronutrients?

A

Vitamins and minerals

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6
Q

Unit of measuring micronutrients

A

mg/kg

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7
Q

How are proteins, lipids and alpha linked soluble carbs digested?

A

Enzymatic (secreted by animal)

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8
Q

How are insoluble beta linked carbs digested?

A

Microbial fermentation

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9
Q

Describe diet of herbivores

A

High in CHO, low protein, low E
Consume lots to satisfy nutrient and E requirements
Spend lots of time eating

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10
Q

What 2 things does hindgut fermenter GIT need to enable?

A

Enzymatic digestion of soluble compounds
Microbial fermentation of insoluble compounds

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11
Q

Is enzymatic a quick or slow process?

A

Quick (0.5 hrs in equids)

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12
Q

Where does enzymatic digestion take place?

A

Stomach and/or si

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13
Q

Is microbial fermentation a quick or slow process?

A

Slow (1-2 days in equines)

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14
Q

Where does microbial fermentation take place in ruminants and hindgut fermenters? (What are the fermentation chambers?)

A

Ruminant: foregut (rumen)
Hindgut fermenters: hindgut (caecum and colon)

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15
Q

Describe generally the GIT components of hindgut fermenters

A

Have unremarkable si and large caecums and/or colons

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16
Q

List 4 cæcal fermenters

A

Guinea pig
Hamster
Rabbit
Koala

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17
Q

List 4 colon fermenters

A

Orangutans
Equids
Rhinoceros
Elephants

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18
Q

Aside from herbivores, which other feeders utilise hindgut fermentation and provide 2 examples
Hint: also benefit from a diet higher in protein and soluble CHO but still have fairly well developed caecum, and/or colon

A

Omnivores
Rats have well developed caecum
Pigs have well developed caecums and colons

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19
Q

Do rabbit and Guinea pig teeth continually grow or erupt?

A

Grow

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20
Q

Do horse teeth continually grow or erupt, what do you call this?

A

Erupt, hypsodont teeth

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21
Q

Which teeth continually grow in rats?

A

Incisors

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22
Q

What is the morphology and purpose of the incisors in hindgut fermenting herbivores?

A

Sharp and overlapping for cutting leaves and twigs

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23
Q

What is the purpose of having flat molars creating an occlusal surface?

A

To grind fibrous ingests into smaller particles

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24
Q

In terms of dentition, why must fibrous feed be provided?

A

To wear down teeth

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25
Q

What are the caecum and/or colon called in hindgut fermenters?

A

Fermentation chambers

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26
Q

What is the role of saliva from salivary glands?

A

Lubricate food when swallowed and buffer acid in stomach

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27
Q

Which additional salivary gland (to parotid, mandibular and sublingual) do rabbits have?

A

Zygomatic

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28
Q

Describe saliva prod in rabbits

A

Continually from mandibular gland and in response to food intake by others

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29
Q

Describe saliva prod in horses

A

In response to chewing only

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30
Q

What three components are always present in saliva?

A

Water and mucus for lubrication and bicarbonate to buffer acidic contents of stomach

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31
Q

What else is present in rabbit and and rat saliva but not in horses?

A

Alpha amylase (starch digestion) but action is low

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32
Q

Describe the stomach of hindgut fermenters

A

Small and simple

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33
Q

Describe their feeding strategy

A

Trickle

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34
Q

How fast does ingests pass thru the stomach?

A

Fairly rapidly (usually 15mins to 2hrs but slightly slower in rabbits)

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35
Q

Through what structure does food enter the stomach?

A

Cardiac sphincter (prevents regurgitation in horse, rat, gp, rats)

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36
Q

Describe cardiac region of stomach

A

Non glandular, pH 6-7, no secretions = no protective mucus lining

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37
Q

Describe funding and pyloric regions of stomach

A

Main secretory part
Parietal cells secrete HCl
Chief cells secrete pepsin
Mucus secreted to protect against acid
pH 1-2

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38
Q

Describe pyloric region of stomach

A

Gastric secretion stimulates HCl production

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39
Q

Which species needs continuous HCl secretion in stomach to help prevent ulcers?

A

Equines

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40
Q

Where does ingesta exit stomach

A

Pyloric sphincter

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41
Q

Which type of bonds are targeted by enzymatic secretions in the stomach and si?

A

Alpha bonds

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42
Q

How long does it take for ingesta to pass through si of hindgut fermenters?

A

1-3hrs

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43
Q

Describe how ingesta passed from si to colon in equids

A

Ileum to caecum via iléocaecal valve then leave caecum via caecoventral colonic valve

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44
Q

Describe how ingesta passed from si to colon in rabbits

A

Three way connection btwn ileum, caecum and colon, called the iléocaecocolic junction

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45
Q

What is the function of the ileocaecocolic junction structure in rabbits?

A

Facilitâtes selective retention of fluid and small particles and expulsion of fibrous material
Remember rabbits are cæcal fermenters whilst horses ferment in caecum and colon

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46
Q

Which food materials remain upon entry to the large fermentation chambers?

A

Insoluble fibrous materials: hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin (completely indigestible)

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47
Q

Why do fermentation chambers need to be able to store ingesta?

A

The process of microbial fermentation in the caecum and colon takes time

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48
Q

Describe the function of the caecum and colon in hindgut fermenters

A

Provide space for mixing ingesta with microbial populations and a large surface area for abs of nutrients, fermentation prods and water

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49
Q

How is the hindgut structured to increase surface area?

A

It is sacculated
Remember: some species also have flexures involved in selective retention

50
Q

Does mucosa lining of hindgut contain crypts and/or villi?

A

Crypts but no villi

51
Q

What and why do goblet cells produce?

A

Mucus to protect against acids produced in fermentation

52
Q

What is pH optimum of microbes and how is this maintained?

A

6-7 so secrete bicarbonate and phosphate into li to neutralise acidic products of fermentation (SFAs)

53
Q

Where does microbial fermentation take place in equids?

A

Caecum and colon
Remember: some books call them colon fermenters as colon is enlarged

54
Q

Which food materials are selectively retained in the equine caecum and colon?

A

Course particles hi in fibre

55
Q

Where does abs of fermentation products take place in equids?

A

Caecum and colon

56
Q

What happens to ingesta of equids in the small colon (btwn large colon and rectum)?

A

Final site of water abs
Formation of faecal balls

57
Q

Where does microbial fermentation mostly occur in rabbits?

A

Caecum

58
Q

What is selectively retained in the caecum of rabbits for microbial fermentation?

A

Fine particles (and fluids also retained)

59
Q

What are the two fates of the products of microbial fermentation in rabbits?

A

Absorbed in the caecum or expelled as caecotrophs

60
Q

What happens to fibrous material in the large fermentation chambers of rabbits?

A

Fibrous material (insoluble CHO >0.5mm) are selectively progressed thru colon for expulsion
This is important to promote GIT motility

61
Q

Explain caecotrophs in rabbits

A

Soft faeces
Excreted during rest periods so rabbits have constant nutrition throughout day
Rich in aas, VFAs, enz, Vits B and K, microorganisms
Coated in mucus to protect against acid in stomach (not digested here)
Pass into si where contents digested and absorbed

62
Q

When do rabbits excrete hard faeces and what do they consist of?

A

During feeding phase (dawn and dusk)
Consist of indigestible fibre

63
Q

What the microbes groups can be found in the hindgut of fermenters?

A

Bac, fungi, Protozoa

64
Q

Describe the symbiotic relationship btwn the animal and the microbes

A

Animal provides enviro where microbes can survive and grow in ezxchange for them breaking down insoluble parts of plants the animals have eaten

65
Q

Why do dietary changes need to be made v. slowly?

A

So microbes can adapt
Disruption of fermentation process can cause colic in equids

66
Q

Describe stage 1 of microbial fermentation

A

Microbes attach to cell wall compounds

67
Q

Stage 2 microbial fermentation

A

Microbes excrete enz to break down beta links btwn individual molecules of cellulose and hemicellulose

68
Q

Stage 3 microbial fermentation?

A

Individual molecules then processed by bac to produce VFAs and gases

69
Q

Stage 4 microbial fermentation?

A

VFAs abs thru gut wall into blood for use as E source

70
Q

List and explain benefits of products of microbial fermentation

A

VFAs (butyrate, propionate, acetate) for E
Heat
Vits B and K
aa (in rabbits and species who perform coprophagy)
Gases (issues if trapped; bloat, colic)

71
Q

What conditions do the microbes require?

A

Stable temp, pH 6-7, regular food supply, no O2

72
Q

What enz do go lack that is involved in prod of ascorbic acid?

A

L-gulonolactone oxidase

73
Q

What are the three purposes of insoluble CHO/fibrous materials in hindgut fermenters diets?

A

Ensures microbial pops have adequate food supply
Promotes GIT motility
Provides E and vits

74
Q

Consequences of too little fibre?

A

Reduced wearing of teeth
Reduced motility
Reduced microbial activity/growth
Reduced E

75
Q

Consequences of too hi fibre?

A

Impacted GIT, reduced cæcal activity (rabbit)

76
Q

List the functions of dietary fats/lipids

A

Celle membranes, hormone prod, fat-soluble vit abs, storage of E

77
Q

Is E a nutrient

A

NO: gained from utilisation of nutrients; CHO, fats and proteins

78
Q

How much of BW should equids consume as DM per day?

A

2-2.5%
Minimum 1.5% as forage

79
Q

If increase exercise demand of equids, what dietary changes are needed?

A

Replace some fibre-based feed with concentrate feed (more E dense)

80
Q

What are concentrate feeds fortified with?

A

Vits and mins

81
Q

When might vitamin and mineral supplements be useful to add into equid diet?

A

If feeding only forage, as do not add extra E or protein
*sometimes called a balancer

82
Q

How much of their BW should rabbits consume daily as DM?

A

2.4-2.7%

83
Q

Why is it an issue that rabbits consume sweet food in preference

A

Obesity

84
Q

What kind of plants do rabbits select?

A

Young (soft and nutrient dense)
Their diet is usually higher in CP and soluble CHO than other herbivores

85
Q

How does quantity of protein in rabbit diet affect caecotroph prod?

A

Hi protein = less caecotrophs
Low protein = more

86
Q

How does fibre in diet affect caecotroph prod?

A

Excessively hi or low = less caecotrophs due to increased cæcal retention

87
Q

How much do caecotrophs contribute to daily nutrient intake?

A

Marginally

88
Q

What are the main E sources of rabbits?

A

Sugars abs in si and VFAs from cæcal fermentation
Rabbits x digest starch as well as other mono gastric so need to avoid overloading the system

89
Q

Why is grass good for rabbits?

A

Abrasive to teeth, hi fibre, good protein levels and good source of vits

90
Q

If not grazing which hay is epbest for rabbits due to its hi fibre and lower protein content?

A

Meadow hay
Alfalfa and pellets are hi E and protein and can lead to obesity

91
Q

Why feed pellets over mixes?

A

Avoid selective feeding

92
Q

What should fibre content of commercial rabbit food be?

A

> 18%

93
Q

What is optimum rabbit pellet size?

A

6.3mm long and 4.7mm diameter

94
Q

Give examples of succulents that may be added to rabbit diets

A

Cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, celery leaves, chard, green peppers, dandelion leaves, kale, cabbage

95
Q

Why do gp need approx 4% BW in DM every day when rabbits only 2-2.5%?

A

Have less efficient digestion

96
Q

What aspect of feeding are gps v. vulnerable to?

A

Dietary changes

97
Q

Why are gps more efficient at digesting fibre than rabbits are?

A

Rabbits selectively expel fibre

98
Q

How should commercial gps mixes be stored to prevent deterioration of vit C lvls that feed is fortified with?

A

Dark, cool area
Vit C an also be given in water but need to ensure that gp actually drinks it

99
Q

When do rats (omnivores) feed?

A

Dawn and dusk

100
Q

What digestible feeds should rats diets be based on?

A

Fruit and veg and soft plant material
Plus occasional small a,lungs of grains, legumes, eggs, lean meat, insects etc

101
Q

How should commercial rat mixes differ from other rodents feeds?

A

Lower fibre, higher fat and medium protein

102
Q

Describe forage and concentrate feeds

A

Forage: grass, hay, haulage, straw
Concentrate: cereal grain based fed as mixes or pellets

103
Q

Why might succulents be added to hindgut fermenting rodents diets?

A

Enrichment

104
Q

Advantages of grass as forage?

A

Cheap, natural, appetising

105
Q

Disadvantages of grass?

A

Nutrient value varies on species, maturity and selective grazing behaviour
Equids are susceptible to sugar content (risk of laminitis)
Be aware of weeds/poisonous plants in grazing areas

106
Q

What can hay be made from?

A

Grass or legume (alfalfa)

107
Q

How do grass and alfalfa hays compare?

A

Grass lower in protein, E and Ça but higher in alfalfa

108
Q

What has significant affect on nutrient lvl and hygienic quality of hay?

A

Processing and storage
Slow drying or baled when damp = microbial growth
Slow drying and rain = leaches nutrient
Warm and damp storage = microbial growth

109
Q

Why is meadow grass hay recommended for Guinea pigs and rabbits?

A

Lower in nutrient value than seed hay (grown from seed for purpose)

110
Q

Which type of hay ,ost commonly fed to equines?

A

Grass hays (seed or meadow)
Alfalfa to hi performance horses as higher E

111
Q

Describe how haylage (fed to equines is made)

A

Grass cut earlier than for hay
Wilted in field for 48hrs then wrapped to prod anaerobic enviro where lactic acid bac ferment sugars and reduce sugar content of forage (less so than silage tho)

112
Q

Why need more freshweight of haylage than hay?

A

DM content is lower (batch test as DM and nutrient content variable)

113
Q

Why is haylage good for horses with respiratory issues?

A

Less dusty than hay

114
Q

Why haylage x recommend for rabbits and gps?

A

Too nutritious

115
Q

Describe use of straw in equid diets

A

Small quantities can be added to add fibre
Low digestible it’s so careful of impactions
Often used in chopped forages (chaff) with hay
Not recommended for rabbits or gps due to impactions

116
Q

Which horses are short chopped chaff forages recommended to?

A

Those with dental issues

117
Q

Why should rabbits and gps be fed long forages?

A

Encourage chewing and prevent excessive intake

118
Q

Why are commercially available concentrates better than feeding individual cereal grains?

A

Balanced and fortified to meet nutritional requirements
Known composition
More practical for purchase and storage

119
Q

Why can both mixes and pellets be fed to horses?

A

No reports of selective feeding so no risk of nutritional imbalance

120
Q

How might breeding rabbit concentrate formulations differ?

A

Higher CL lvls

121
Q

How often can fruits be fed to rabbits and Guinea pigs?

A

Once a week in small amounts e.g. apples, pears, melons, bananas, kiwis

122
Q

Why cut equine succulents e.g. swedes, parsnips lengthways

A

To prevent lodging in œsophagus

Nutrition And Housing (2 decks)

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