It seems to me that a large part of the argument for not "over-feeding" torts comes from the knowledge that they are hind gut fermenters. They can hold food for weeks and extract every last bit of energy from it. Therefore, to simulate wild conditions and allow them to utilize their hind gut fermentation, we need to hold back some on the food, otherwise they flush it out before its fully digested, etc..
While this does seem a valid argument, I've been thinking about a potential hole in the logic.
What IS the real benefit of allowing the hind gut fermentation to run its course?
Does this yield more vitamins, minerals, truly essential dietary elements? I suspect this actually just yields more carbs, something not really crucial at all.
It seems to me that hind gut fermentation falls more in line with brumation. Its a survival trick that torts can use to stay alive through non-ideal conditions, not something that is actually necessary to exercise for their health.
I'm sure I'll be able to turn up some information with research, but decided to go ahead and pop this one out there to see if any of you already have knowledge on the subject.
While this does seem a valid argument, I've been thinking about a potential hole in the logic.
What IS the real benefit of allowing the hind gut fermentation to run its course?
Does this yield more vitamins, minerals, truly essential dietary elements? I suspect this actually just yields more carbs, something not really crucial at all.
It seems to me that hind gut fermentation falls more in line with brumation. Its a survival trick that torts can use to stay alive through non-ideal conditions, not something that is actually necessary to exercise for their health.
I'm sure I'll be able to turn up some information with research, but decided to go ahead and pop this one out there to see if any of you already have knowledge on the subject.