Efficiency of Use of Saltbush (Atriplex halimus) for Growth by Fat Sand Rats (Psammomys obesus)

Abstract

Dry matter digestibility and apparent digestible and metabolizable energy of A. halimus were similar to those reported for other rodents consuming a vegetation diet. P. obesus is known to reduce electrolyte intake by scraping off the outer layers of the leaves of A. halimus, particularly when dietary water content is low; in this study the rodents scraped off only 0.35– 0.91% of the dry matter of the leaves, indicating that they had ample water. Water influx of P. obesus was 5.1–6.8 times that of other desert rodents, and water loss urine and feces was relatively high. Growing P. obesus consumed about 64% of their body mass in fresh matter (about 13% in dry matter) each day. Consumption of A. halimus fulfills the energy and water needs of P. obesus. The rodents thrive on this plant primarily by the behavioral ability to remove electrolytes before consuming its leaves and by their ability to consume large quantities of it.