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[Nitrogen fixation--new fenomenon in rodent feeding]
E I Naumova1, N A Ushakova, I G Meshcherskiĭ
1Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Izvestiia Akademii Nauk. Seriia Biologicheskaia
|June 27, 2000
Summary
Small mammals like red voles (Clethrionomys rutilis) can fix nitrogen in their digestive tracts. This nitrogen fixation, particularly in symbiotic regions, supplements their nitrogen balance, especially under low-protein diets.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mammalian Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Investigating novel nitrogen acquisition strategies in mammals.
- Understanding the role of gut microbiota in host nutrition.
- Exploring the physiological adaptations of phytophagous rodents.
Purpose:
- To test the hypothesis that small phytophagous mammals can utilize nitrogen fixation.
- To quantify nitrogen-fixing activity in the gastrointestinal tract of red voles (Clethrionomys rutilis).
- To determine the influence of dietary protein content on nitrogen fixation rates.
Summary:
- Nitrogen-fixing activity was detected in the gastrointestinal tract of red voles.
- Activity was concentrated in regions with microbial symbiocenoses.
- Higher nitrogen-fixing activity was observed in voles on low-protein diets, suggesting a supplementary nitrogen source.
Impact:
- Demonstrates a previously unrecognized nitrogen acquisition mechanism in mammals.
- Highlights the functional significance of gut microbial communities in host metabolism.
- Provides insights into the dietary adaptability of small herbivorous mammals.