FUNCTIONAL-ASPECTS OF THE TOLERANCE FOR C OARSE FOOD IN GREAT GERBIL - THE STRATEGY OF THE USE OF DIETARY-FIBERS

The content and the size changes of cellulose fibers in tile digestive tract of great gerbil were studied. The intensity of the assimilation of these fibers was shown to increase with the increase of their cont ent in food. Finally, the degradation of fibers in the caecum increase s appreciably. The assimilation of cellulose is possible due to thorou gh chewing, the increase of the capacity of caecum and the increased t ime of bacterial fermentation of food particles.