Digestive constraints and nutrient hydrolysis in nestlings of two flamingo species

Sabat P.; NOVOA, FF; Parada M.Á.

Abstract

In vertebrates, enzymatic activity levels in the small intestine are correlated with dietary composition. We examined enzymatic activity levels in juvenile specimens of two flamingo species, Phoenicoparrus andinus and Phoenicoparrus jamesi. Both species feed their chicks with esophageal secretions. Based on the chemical composition of these secretions in flamingoes, we predicted low activity levels of disaccharidases and higher activities of aminopeptidase-N and esterase. As predicted, sucrase was absent in P. andinus, and its activity was low in P. jamesi. Esterase and aminopeptidase-N activities were relatively high. Low maltase activity suggested the presence of carbohydrates in esophageal secretions. Digestive features can have consequences on the growth and survival of chicks. Hence the data presented here may be relevant to the maintenance and reproduction of wild and captive endangered flamingoes.

Más información

Título según WOS: Digestive constraints and nutrient hydrolysis in nestlings of two flamingo species
Título según SCOPUS: Digestive constraints and nutrient hydrolysis in nestlings of two flamingo species
Título de la Revista: CONDOR
Volumen: 103
Número: 2
Editorial: COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOC
Fecha de publicación: 2001
Página de inicio: 396
Página final: 399
Idioma: English
URL: http://www.bioone.org/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1650%2F0010-5422(2001)103%5B0396%3ADCANHI%5D2.0.CO%3B2
DOI:

10.1650/0010-5422(2001)103[0396:DCANHI]2.0.CO;2

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS