Wild Zebras
Zebras have evolved a special digestive system that allows them to use bacteria to digest plant fiber more efficiently than most other plant eating animals. This system is called the hindgut fermentation system.
Most of a zebra's diet is composed of flowering grasses, including Red Grass, Bermuda Grass, and Common Finger Grass. Zebras also eat wild beans and flowers. Wild zebras get needed salt from eating plants. When grass plants are not available, zebras can survive on roots and bark from trees. They are able to survive on plants with little nutritional value because their digestive system enables them to derive more nutritional benefit from plants than other herbivores.
Zebras in Zoos
Most zebras in zoos eat timothy hay and pellets containing vitamins. Captive zebras are also given salt lick in order to meet their salt intake needs.
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