Oxalate, calcium and ash intake and excretion balances in fat sand rats (Psammomys obesus) feeding on two different diets
Fat sand rats Psammomys obesus feed exclusively on plants of the family Chenopodiaceae,
which contain high concentrations of chloride salts (NaCl, KCl) and oxalate salts. Ingestion
of large quantities of oxalate is challenging for mammals because oxalate chelates Ca2+
cations, reducing Ca2+ availability. Oxalate is a metabolic end-point in mammalian
metabolism, however it can be broken-down by intestinal bacteria. We predicted that in fat
sand rats microbial breakdown of oxalate will be substantial due to the high dietary load. In …
which contain high concentrations of chloride salts (NaCl, KCl) and oxalate salts. Ingestion
of large quantities of oxalate is challenging for mammals because oxalate chelates Ca2+
cations, reducing Ca2+ availability. Oxalate is a metabolic end-point in mammalian
metabolism, however it can be broken-down by intestinal bacteria. We predicted that in fat
sand rats microbial breakdown of oxalate will be substantial due to the high dietary load. In …