The colonic separation mechanism in the guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus) and the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

Abstract

1. 1. In guinea-pig, the concentration of nitrogen and viable bacteria were nearly twice as high in the contents of the colonic furrow compared to the contents of the corresponding lumen. 2. 2. Labelled bacteria infused into the proximal colon of guinea-pigs were transported in the furrow into the caecum. 3. 3. Both species produced two types of pellets, one nitrogen-rich intended for caecotrophy, and one nitrogen-poor delivered as faecal pellets. 4. 4. The furrow is part of a separation mechanism in both species saving bacteria for the animals. © 1985.