Gastric function in Caiman crocodilus (Crocodylia: Reptilia). I. Rate of gastric digestion and gastric motility as a function of temperature.

-1. A cannulation method was devised that allows continuous safe gastric sampling and recording of intragastric pressure in Caiman crocodilus. 2. In C. crocodilus, fed 5 per cent of the body weight, complete gastric emptying takes an average of 99 (+_ 10) hr at 30°C, to an average of 315 (4-16) hr at 15°C. 3. Two types of gastric contractions were recorded in C. crocodilus, by means of intragastric pressure measurements, at 20, 25 and 30°C. 4. The two types of contractions were recorded regardless of the feeding state of the animals. 5. Their frequency and amplitude increase with temperature or upon feeding.