SummaryYoung herbivores are not herbivores. With the apparent exception of some chewing insects they cannot survive and growth without eating animal or microbial protein. Further reinforcing how short available nitrogen is in plant food, adult herbivores must feed selectively and depend on intestinal microorganisms to obtain sufficient nitrogen for maintenance and breeding.

Young herbivores, with the exception of some chewing insects, cannot survive and grow without eating animal or microbial protein, while adult herbivores must feed selectively and rely on intestinal microorganisms for sufficient nitrogen for maintenance and breeding.

Paper

When is a herbivore not a herbivore?

References

Citations