Fermentative digestion in the ostrich (<i>Struthio camelus</i> var. <i>domesticus</i> ), a large avian species that utilizes cellulose¹

Abstract

The production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was studied in vitro to assess the possible contribution of microbial fermentation to the energy economy of growing ostrich chicks. Structure, capacity and contents of the gastro-intestinal track were examined to identify major sites of microbial activity and VFA energy yield. Radioactive substrates were used to confirm that the products derived from fermentative digestion could provide nutrients to the host animals. In this  experiment the theoretical energy contribution of VFA could be as high as 76% of the metabolizable energy intake of the growing ostrich chick. The absorption and oxidative metabolism of end products from cellulose fermentation was demonstrated to contribute to the metabolizable energy requirements of the growing ostrich.

Ten einde die moontlike bydrae van mikrobiese fermentasie tot energieverskaffing by volstruiskuikens vas te stel, is die in vitro-produksie van vlugtige vetsure (VVS) in die spysverteringskanaal (SVK) van groeiende volstruiskuikens bestudeer. Die struktuur, kapasiteit en inhoud van die SVK is ondersoek om die vernaamste plekke van mikrobeaktiwiteit en produksie van VVS-energie aan te duL Radio-aktiewe substrate is gebruik om te bevestig dat volstruise die eindproduksie van fermentatiewe vertering kan benut. Volgens die resultate van hierdie eksperiment kan die teoretiese energiebydrae van VVS so hoog wees as 76% van die  metaboliseerbare energie-inname van die groeiende volstruiskuiken. Daar is gevind dat die absorpsie en oksidatiewe metabolisme van die eindprodukte vanaf  sellulosefermentasie 'n bydrae tot die energiehuishouding van groeiende volstruiskuikens maak.