The Nutrition, Digestive Physiology and Metabolism of Potoroine Marsupials

Abstract

The nutrition, digestive physiology and metabolism of potoroine marsupials, the smallest macropodoids, was studied in one species from each of the extant genera. Those studied, all of which were captive, included 'Aepyprymnus rufescens' (rufous ratkangaroo), 'Potorous tridactylus' (long-nosed potoroo) and 'Bettongia penicillata' (brushtailed bettong). Although several studies have been made of different aspects of potoroine marsupials, this is the first pertaining to an integrated study of their nutrition, metabolism and digestive physiology. It was, therefore, a general study. Its primary aim was to provide a platform for future research on more specific subjects. A discussion of herbivory, with particular emphasis on body size and gastrointestinal function, suggested that potoroine marsupials are concentrate-selecting herbivores. This thesis is supported by the few studies of potoroine feeding ecology, which have identified hypogeous fungi, roots, tubers, seeds, gum and invertebrates as important food items. Thus, a standard diet composed mainly of cereals supplemented with oaten chaff was developed for maintenance of the animals. Potoroines selected this diet in preference to a lower energy lucerne-based formulation.