BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Reindeer during rumination are similar to brain waves during non-REM sleep, suggesting that reindeer are more "energetic" after rumination, according to a new study by a team of researchers at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.
Rumination – The re-chewing of partially digested food is an important part of ruminant digestion. Previous studies have shown that some animals can produce sleep-like brain waves during rumination, but it is unclear whether rumination can have a similar restorative effect as sleep.
Researchers from the University of Zurich conducted noninvasive EEG measurements and analyses of Eurasian tundra reindeer in Norway during the autumnal equinox, summer solstice and winter solstice, the researchers said in a new issue of the American journal Current Biology. They found that the EEG readings of the reindeer during rumination were similar to the brainwave patterns of non-REM sleep.
This suggests that rumination can reduce sleep stress, and that the more reindeer ruminate, the less additional non-REM sleep is needed. "We think that in this way, they can save time and meet both sleep and digestive needs, especially in the summer." ”
Researchers say that food is plentiful in the summer, with the reindeer eating almost around the clock and preparing for the long, scarce winter. (ENDS).