ON STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF THE SPRINGBOK (ANTIDORCAS MARSUPIALIS) DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

SUMMARY

The morphology of the adult springbok digestive tract is described macroscopically and complemented by relevant microscopic observations. Weights and measurements of the different parts are provided as are plates, with drawings and photographs illustrating their surface structure. Springbok have a very small nasolabial plane compared to other bovids and a mouth opening of intermediate size. The weight of their masseter muscles is about 0,20% of body mass and the proportion by weight of salivary glands places them firmly in the mixed feeder group of ruminants. Their long dental pad, palatine ridge structure and tongue divisions differ distinctly from those of browsing species. Uneven but complete rumen papillation on all levels and the intermediate size of all stomach openings reflect adaptation to mixed forage of seasonally varying quality and rapid ruminal passage rate at times. The springbok omasum is small, although well differentiated internally, offering about 6 000 mm² of absorptive surface. A well-developed distal fermentation chamber (caeco-colon) indicates a possibly important role in complementing the energy supplied by ruminal digestion. Omasal structure and spiral colon development indicate pronounced water conservation. Several anatomical features indicate a limited ability to digest fibrous feeds.