The Digestion in the hyrax Procavia Capensis (Pallas, 1766)

Abstract

The results of a field and laboratory digestion study on the monogastric hyrax, Prooavia oapensis, have been compared with the results reported for ruminants and non-ruminants. In the hindgut of hyrax two sites of digesta retention and fermentation were found. The sac was of larger mass than the caeca and also produced more VFA energy per day than the caeca. The caeca played a more important role during the dry seasons when food quality was lowest and caeca size were greatest. Seasonal differences in VFA production rates were found and was the result of diet differences. High fibre/ low protein rations fed to hyrax had lower VFA production rates and apparent digestibilities than the low fibre/ high protein rations. The highly efficient digestion of low-quality food in the hindgut of hyrax was essential in the evolution of the species to ensure successful inhabitance of arid rocky hills.