Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Self-Medication And Homeostatic Behaviour In Herbivores: Learning About The Benefits Of Nature’S Pharmacy, Juan J. Villalba, Frederick D. Provenza
Self-Medication And Homeostatic Behaviour In Herbivores: Learning About The Benefits Of Nature’S Pharmacy, Juan J. Villalba, Frederick D. Provenza
Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation, and Ecosystem Management (BEHAVE)
Traditional production systems have viewed animals as homogeneous ‘machines’ whose nutritional and medicinal needs must be provided in a prescribed manner. This view arose from the lack of belief in the wisdom of the body to meet its physiological needs. Is it possible for herbivores to select diets that meet their needs for nutrients and to write their own prescriptions? Our research suggests it is. Herbivores adapt to the variability of the external environment and to their changing internal needs not only by generating homeostatic physiological responses, but also by operating in the external environment. Under this view, food selection …