OK, found my answer. (sorta) Long quote from the article:
First and foremost, venom is used to secure or immobilize a prey animal. Secondly, certain enzymes in most venom composition aid in the actual digestion of a consumed prey item. For example, when a snake that has hemotoxic qualities in its venom bites a live prey animal, the venom attacks the blood and live tissue, and after being carried throughout the body via the bloodstream, begins the breakdown of many systemic processes. This will immobilize the animal, and also effectively turn its insides into mush, making it a more easily digestible meal. It cannot be proven which action of the venom is actually most important in the mind of the snake, although we can assess that when a venomous snake bites and releases a prey item, the snake will follow instinctively with the intention of consuming a meal. But it is well accepted that most venomous snakes do not strike previously killed prey items with the intent to envenomate them, as the animal is already immobilized. Instinct apparently doesnt suggest that venom is needed every time a snake consumes a meal, or they would also bite dead prey in the same manner. Further, the digestive properties in venom are comprised of many enzymes that break down proteins, and most animals produce these same enzymes. These components, being so commonly produced, must be considered ingredients that partially make up animal venom. This is not because it is needed to aid in the digestive process, but more because the same compounds utilized in digestion are also being used to quickly attack and destroy the systemic integrity of a prey animal, effectively immobilizing it as soon as possible. Venom is not necessarily unique in its chemistry to other actions in a creatures body, but is utilized as venom because those components are available, being already produced by the body.
So, the theory is, venom may not be crucial to snake digestion. I'm curious about this, because there are six or seven Copperheads, two Eastern Diamondbacks, two Timber Rattlers, two Southern Pacific Rattlers a Dusky Pygmy Rattler and a Cottonmouth living in a room in my basement. I know my little brother (who owns this rather unusual menagerie) visits many of the "hot herp" discussion boards, so I'll ask him about it when he gets home. My gut tells me he's not a fan of the idea, though.
Yaj, a lot of people who do keep big cats as "pets" have them declawed, and file down their fangs. An animal so 'altered' has no chance of surviving if released in the wild, compared to the slight chance that an animal raised in captivity would otherwise have. :grumpy:
Don't tell Bill....
