Geographical distribution and population structure of springbok <I>Antidorcas marsupialis</I> rumen protozoa in southern Africa

Abstract

Springbok were sampled in Angola, South West Africa, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, the Cape Province and Eastern Transvaal between July 1973 and July 1974. All the ciliates found in the 20 rumens investigated belonged to a single genus Entodinium (family Ophryoscolecidae) and they varied in number from 0,3 x 106 to 2,5 x 106 per cm3 of rumen fluid. The different species were found and a positive correlation is seen between total numbers and protein content of the feed. It has been concluded that the numbers of E. par-uum are closely related to the protein concentration of the feed.