A Difference in the Physiology of the Large Intestine between European and Indigenous Cattle in the Tropics

Abstract

A QUESTION of some importance in the tropics is the reason for the superior ability of the indigenous, humped cattle, Bos indicus (zebus), to thrive on dry, coarse pasture compared with the European-type cattle, Bos taurus (grades). The differences between the two types in this respect have not been well defined or the causes intensively sought. Since the rumen microflora is readily adaptable to a particular diet, it is unlikely that the difference lies in the digestion of fibre in the rumen. Digestibility trials with the two types of animals have indicated that this may be correct and have suggested that a difference may exist in the simple gut.