Does anyone happen to know the pH and chemical makeup of the stomache acid in burms? Thanks a bunch.
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0.1 Albino Burmese Pythons (Annie)
1.0 Normal Burmese Python (Judo)
1.1 Ball Pythons (Salazar and Slytherin)
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Stomache Questions?
darkpythons666
May 17, 2005 08:57 PM
Replies (3)
joeysgreen
May 18, 2005 03:19 AM
I'm curious to know if there is more to this question... do you have a story you'd like to share?
Specific studies on this type of physiology hasn't likely been done on more than a few reptile species, if any at all. Mainly because it is a less pressing issue for the few funds available for reptile research.
Considering the diet and the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, I would give you an educated guess that it is relatively close to the pH of a human, cat, or dog- about 2. Again, it stands to reason that the same chemicals excreted by the stomach wall are the same, and I do know that the pancreas does release the same enzymes as mammals.
A simple litmus test can be done on a stomach tubed sample to give you exact answers about pH. Similarly, if you have the equipment available, chemestry tests can be done on this sample as well. It all depends on how bad you would like to know. Consult your veterinarian regarding this procedure and having it done correctly and safely.
darkpythons666
May 19, 2005 12:20 AM
The reason for why I was asking is because we got to design our own project in chemistry that has to do with acids. My lab will be feeding my young burm and showing that the acids break down the rat over time. To show this I'd take a picture of him before, during, after him eating and his bulge everyday after he ate for five days. The info isn't required of me but it'd sound better in the report.
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0.1 Albino Burmese Pythons (Annie)
1.0 Normal Burmese Python (Judo)
1.1 Ball Pythons (Salazar and Slytherin)
joeysgreen
May 21, 2005 01:22 AM
That sounds like a very cool project, and should be lots of fun!
I know that it may be a bit beyond the scope of such, but perhaps you could include information on the acid neutralizers released into the duodenum so that the pancreatic enzymes can work to further digest the prey. It's late and a bit over my head at the moment, but your vet should have this info readily available. Have a great time, studying herps is awesome!
Ian
