The effect of temperature on caecal fermentation processes in a poikilothermic mammal, Heterocephalus glaber

1. 1.|The effect of temperature on caecal function was examined in the naked mole-rat Heterocephalus glaber, a poikilothermic mammal, which consumes a high proportion of fibre in its natural diet. 2. 2.|The temperature of optimal caecal function was determined from fermentation data measure at three specifically chosen temperatures (28, 33 and 40°C). 3. 3.|There was no significant difference between gas production at 33 and 40°C, however, gas production was significantly lower at 28°C. 4. 4.|The relative proportions of the gases produced were markedly different at 33 and 40°C (P ≤ 0.01). More methane and hydrogen were produced at 33°C than at 40°C. 5. 5.|These data suggest that microbial organisms within the caecum were active and functioning more effectively at 33°C (the preferred body temperature of the naked mole-rat) than at the other two temperatures.