A giraffe's metabolism is relatively slow compared to other mammals of its size. Its resting heart rate is 60 to 75 beats per minute, and its breathing rate is 10 to 20 breaths per minute.
This slow metabolism is linked to the giraffe's large body mass and low surface-area-to-volume ratio, which reduces heat loss through the skin.
Diet and Digestion
Giraffes eat mainly leaves, which are low in nutrients. To extract enough energy, they consume large quantities. Their four-chambered stomach helps break down fibrous leaves, and their large liver assists in detoxifying certain compounds in their diet.
The giraffe's slow metabolism allows it to conserve energy, while its specialized digestive system enables it to survive on a nutrient-poor diet.