Rumen ciliate protozoa of the sable antelope <i>Hippotragus niger</i>

Abstract

Of the 11 ciliate protozoa present in the rumen of the sable antelope, two are holotrichs and nine entodiniomorphs. One new species Diplodinium (Eudiplodinium) sablei is described. The seven antelopes investigated gave an average total number of protozoa per cm³ rumen fluid of 1,79 ± 0,39 × 10⁵, a relatively low figure typical of grazing wild ungulates.

Van die 11 siliaat-protozoa teenwoordig in die rumen van die swartwitpens was twee holotriche en nege entodiniomorphe vorme. Een nuwe spesies Diplodinium (Eudiplodinium) sablei word beskryf. Die sewe swartwitpense wat ondersoek is, het gemiddeld 1,79 ± 0,39 × 10* protozoa per cm³ rumenvloeistof gehad, 'n relatief lae syfer tipies van weiende wildsbokke.