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Comparative Digestibility of Acid Detergent Fiber by Laboratory Albino and Wild Polynesian Rats¹

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research Center, Building 16, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225

The effects of adding 5%, 10%, and 15% acid detergent fiber to a nonfibrous basal diet were examined in a comparative feeding study with Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans) and laboratory rats. Digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy declined significantly in both species as fiber content increased, but averaged significantly lower in the Polynesian than in the laboratory rat. Fiber digestibility was not significantly affected by fiber level but was by species, with the Polynesian rat having the higher digestibility coefficients.

KEY WORDS: • digestion • fiber • rats

¹ Data taken from a dissertation submitted by senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from West Virginia University.

² Present Address: Department of Animal Industry and Veterinary Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505.

³ Present Address: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505.

Manuscript received 5 August 1977.