Fibre
The term "fibre" is used to describe the fibrous content of a plant, which generally increases as the plant ages. The term "dietary fibre" is used in human and animal nutrition to describe a group of substances of plant origin which are inert to mammalian digestive enzymes...it includes complex carbohydrates, the soluble and insoluble fibres and lignin. These substances are not available as nutrients and pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested and they are not absorbed into the body. In the large intestine, however, bacteria can act on the fibre and metabolise products (fatty acids) which can be utilised by the body.
Such terminology is inappropriately used in reptilian nutrition because their mechanisms of digesting and absorbing food is different, especially in herbivorous species, which can utilise fibre. The natural diet of tortoises and turtles is relatively high in fibre content. Although a useful nutrient for tortoises and turtles, excess fibre intake can lead to distension of the gastrointestinal tract known as bloat.
Such terminology is inappropriately used in reptilian nutrition because their mechanisms of digesting and absorbing food is different, especially in herbivorous species, which can utilise fibre. The natural diet of tortoises and turtles is relatively high in fibre content. Although a useful nutrient for tortoises and turtles, excess fibre intake can lead to distension of the gastrointestinal tract known as bloat.
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