Reduction of Plant Fibers in the Digestive Tract of the Moose and the Red Deer

摘要

A comparative study of the reduction of plant fibers moving in the digestive tract of nine red deer (Cervus elaphus) and six moose (Alces alces) was made. In the winter season, the character of fiber reduction in the moose and the red deer was similar. In the deer obtained in the early autumn, the relative concentration of small-sized fractions was significantly higher. A sharp decrease in the share of large-sized fibers was observed in the omasum as compared to the rumen and the reticulum. It was especially pronounced in the deer obtained in September. Deceleration of fibers of large-sized fractions in the rumen and the reticulum and the structure of the reticulo-omasal orifice and its functions were considered.