MINERAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE ALIMENTARY-TRACT OF NORTHERN RODENTS AND LAGOMORPHS

Concentrations of water, P, Ca, Mg, Na, and K were measured along the alimentary tract of seven species of northern rodents and three specie s of lagomorphs, Except for K, the concentrations of minerals were low est in the stomach region, increased into the small intestine and rema ined high through cecum and the proximal part of the colon, In particu lar, Na concentrations decreased through the distal large intestine in dicating efficient absorption. On the contrary, Ca and Mg concentratio ns remained high, with extremely high values in woodchuck and arctic g round squirrel, It is assumed to be essential for rodents dependent on hindgut fermentation for their energy supply to maintain high levels of minerals in the large intestine, In particular, for rodents feeding on fibrous diets low in minerals, it is;also important to minimize fe cal losses of important nutrients.