Jakarta –
Most mammals, including humans, get energy from carbohydrates and fats. However, what about the vampire bat species that only feed on blood?
This curiosity was answered through research published in Biology Letters in November 2024 by Giulia S. Rossi and Kenneth C. Welch. In their research, they found out where the main energy source comes from vampire bats.
Energy Source of Vampire Bats
Quoting Live Science, there are three species of vampire bats in the world, namely the common vampire bat (Desmodus round), hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata), and white-winged vampire bats (Diaemus youngi).
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All of these species can be found in the Americas, including Mexico, South America, and Trinidad. Bats live in colonies of 20 to 100 individuals and are the only blood-feeding mammal species.
In this study, scientists used 24 common vampire bats taken from the tropical forests of Belize in Central America. The bats were held for 18 hours to ensure the food they consumed was fully digested.
The researchers then fed the bats cow’s blood, which contains one of two amino acids, namely glycine and leucine. Next, they put the bats on a treadmill to measure the ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide (CO2), and calculate the rate of metabolic activity in the bats.
To determine whether the amino acids were used for energy, the researchers used a special machine with an infrared laser to detect the presence of certain carbon isotopes in the carbon dioxide exhaled by the bats.
This research was conducted to understand the energy sources used by vampire bats, considering that this species only consumes blood which contains absolutely no carbohydrates, which is usually an energy source for mammals.
“Most mammals, like us, depend on carbohydrates and lipids to fuel our activities. These fuels are not abundant in the diet of vampire bats, which suggests that they may not be as dependent on these fuels as we are,” said Kenneth Welch, a professor biology from the University of Toronto.
The results of this study showed that the oxygen to carbon dioxide ratio remained consistent at all treadmill speeds. This means that vampire bats use amino acids as their main source of energy.
Differences from Other Species
According to Welch, in other mammal species, the ratio increases with exercise intensity, reflecting a shift from burning fat to burning carbohydrates. However, in vampire bats, this ratio remained consistent across a wide range of training intensities.
He added that vampire bats have the ability to absorb amino acids in just 10 minutes and convert them into energy.
“The bats oxidize or burn these amino acids in their muscles when they walk or run,” explained Welch.
Although this method of energy generation is rarely found in mammals, previous research on blood-sucking invertebrates, such as the tsetse fly (Glossina) and female mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegyptiindicating that they also obtain energy from the breakdown of amino acids.
Researchers say the study shows that vampire bats show a similar pattern of dependence on amino acids from the blood as fuel for intense activity, similar to blood-sucking insects.
(does/does)
(The camera pans to a dimly lit, stylishly decorated set, where our host, a peculiar blend of Jimmy Carr’s dry wit, Rowan Atkinson’s goofy charm, Ricky Gervais’s irreverent humor, and Lee Evans’s energetic storytelling, sits on a plush couch.)
Host: (in a smooth, velvety tone) Ah, the eternal conundrum: what do vampire bats eat for dinner? I mean, it’s not like they can just pop down to the local Tesco and grab a pint of blood, is it? (chuckles) Although, can you imagine the checkout line? “Did you find everything you needed, sir?” “Oh, just a nice glass of Type O, please.” (laughs)
(Leans in, a mischievous glint in his eye)
But seriously, folks, these fascinating creatures have been puzzling scientists for ages. I mean, where do they get their energy from? Carbs? Fats? Nope, it’s all about the amino acids, baby! (smirks) Who knew blood could be so… nutritious?
(Clears throat, adopting a more serious tone)
A recent study published in Biology Letters has shed some light on this curious phenomenon. Researchers from the University of Toronto (that’s in Canada, for those who didn’t know) studied the common vampire bat (Desmodus round, if you want to get all technical about it) and discovered that these bats rely heavily on amino acids for energy.
(Smirks) Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Amino acids? Isn’t that just a fancy word for ‘protein’?” Well, yes and no. You see, amino acids are the building blocks of protein, but they’re also a vital source of energy for our furry, winged friends.
(Leans back, a sly grin spreading across his face)
Imagine being able to fuel your body with a nice, juicy steak… er, I mean, a nice, juicy rat. (chuckles) Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. These bats have evolved to thrive on a diet that’s 99.9% blood, which is just… mind-boggling.
(Deadpan) I mean, can you imagine the dinner conversations? “Pass the plasma, dear.” “Sorry, I’m trying to cut down on my iron intake.” (laughs)
(Composing himself)
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But what about other mammals? Don’t they need carbs and fats to survive?” Well, yes, most mammals do, but vampire bats are the exception that proves the rule. They’ve developed a unique physiology that allows them to extract energy from amino acids, which is just… well, it’s just bloody brilliant, if you ask me. (winks)
(Serious tone returns)
The study’s lead author, Kenneth Welch, notes that this adaptation is likely due to the bats’ diet, which is, of course, rich in protein but lacking in carbs and fats. It’s a fascinating example of evolutionary adaptation, really.
(Leans in, a conspiratorial whisper)
And let’s be real, folks, who wouldn’t want to live on a diet of pure protein? I mean, no more worrying about carbs, no more guilt trips to the gym… (smirks) Just a nice, steady supply of blood, and you’re good to go!
(Winks at the camera)
Well, there you have it, folks. Vampire bats: the ultimate protein enthusiasts. Who knew being a bloodsucker could be so… energizing? (chuckles)
(Fades to black)
