The resting heart rate of a giraffe is 60 to 75 beats per minute, and its breathing rate is 10 to 20 breaths per minute. The giraffe's metabolism is relatively slow compared to other mammals of its size. This is because the giraffe has a large body mass and a low surface area to volume ratio. This means that the giraffe loses less heat through its skin and can therefore afford to have a slower metabolism.
The giraffe's diet consists mainly of leaves, which are low in nutrients. In order to extract enough nutrients from its food, the giraffe must eat large quantities of leaves. The giraffe's stomach is divided into four compartments, which help to break down the leaves and extract the nutrients. The giraffe also has a large liver, which helps to detoxify the leaves.
The giraffe's metabolism is adapted to its diet and lifestyle. The giraffe's slow metabolism allows it to conserve energy, and its large stomach and liver allow it to extract enough nutrients from its food.