Hi there Lachesis,

"it seems that your answers are conjecture and probabilities."

Well, maybe...but no more than the notion that ripping-out venom glands and ducts and changing the physiological functions of the reptilian endocrine and digestive systems is harmless.

"it is obvious that a snake does not need to inject its digestive enzymes into its prey to have successful digestion: whether they are a venomous reptile or not"

Sure, I'd go along with that alright....but if you will excuse a little more conjecture, what we regard as "successful" digestion may need qualifying. Much of our understanding on diet is pretty much one-dimensional I think - the snake looks healthy therefore it is healthy view is too easy to swallow. This view of "successful digestion" is often deficient even in the understanding of the short-term behavioural consequences of diet modification, and it certainly lacks any depth at all in regards to the long-term consequences of the alteration of dietary physiology upon the immunological and reproductive systems...with all due respect.

Oh, and by the way...I once met Bayard Brattstrom in Sydney many years ago and in my opinion he was a true scholar and a gentleman of the highest order. You should feel justly proud that you had the opportunity to study under him.

Regards

Richard Wells

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