Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology
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BACK TO ALIMENTARY - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
BACK TO LARGE INTESTINE - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Introduction
Hindgut fermenters evolved to eat a herbivorous diet. Therefore they ingest large quantities of insoluble plant carbohydrates, such as cellulose, hemicelluloses and pentosans. Mammalian enzymes cannot digest these insoluble carbohydrates, but microbial enzymes can. They have anatomical adaptations to allow for an expanded microbial population to make digestion more efficient. Hindgut fermenters need a source of fibre in their diet as it stimulates peristalsis in the gut and prevents a build up of gas.