Posted by:
gauchobry
at Thu Apr 7 21:18:44 2005 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by gauchobry ]
Yeah, I agree that just from observations they do not digest very much. But, what if they are able to digest chitin small amounts. Chitin is basically modified glucose, very similar to cellulose, and in my mind it just seems like such a waste if no vertebrate has an ability to digest it. Nature is an amazing thing and does not like to waste. Animals have found a way (with the help of gut flora) to digest cellulose. Why not chitin. That is where my thoughts develop. That is why I ask the question here to see if there is any salient research on this topic at this point. I know that there have been studies in other vertebrates such as birds and mammals, but like everyone on kingsnake herps are my passion so that is where I would like to really do some studying up on the subject. Thanks for your response.
Bryan
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RE: Chitin Digestion - gauchobry, Thu Apr 7 21:18:44 2005