The Fate of Alimentary Microorganisms

The occurrence of refection in the rat and in the pig is not necessarily associated with the reingestion of feces. The essential point seems to be the appearance of a certain type of flora in the caecum which will synthesize B vitamins this is associated with the feeding of raw potato starch to nonruminants. The fact that an otherwise B-deficient diet can be supplemented by this means implies that extracellular B vitamins are formed which can be absorbed by the host. 

The large intestine as an organ of digestion has been largely neglected. Considering its importance in herbivores and even possibly in man, it remains an interesting zone for research. 

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