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Observations on Digestion in the Golden Hamster

University of Maine, Orono¹

Abstract

Forty mature hamsters were used in a study to determine structure and function of the pregastric pouch of the hamster.

This pouch was found to be separated from the gastric area of the stomach by a sphincter-like muscle, and have a keratinized epithelial lining. The walls of the pregastric pouch are heavily muscled and elastic.

Comparative observations were made on the contents of the pregastric pouch (PG), gastric pouch (G) and cecum (C). The average pH of the (PG) (G) and (C) were 5.1, 2.0 and 7.0, respectively. The mean dry matter percentages of the ingesta in the (PG) (G) and (C) were 31.3, 24.1 and 20.7, respectively.

Volatile fatty acid levels (primarily acetic) averaged 32.4 mg./gm. DM in the pregastric pouch and 8.8 mg./gm. DM in the gastric pouch. Thus, it appears that fermentation takes place in the pregastric area of the hamster, resulting in VFA production. It is also apparent that VFA absorption is occurring in the pregastric-gastric area.

¹ Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department.