Livestock Digestion

Front

What is the process called when a ruminant chews its cud?

Back

Cud chewing is the process where ruminants regurgitate food from the rumen to chew it again for better digestion.

Front

What is the primary function of the rumen in ruminants?

Back

The primary function of the rumen is fermentation, where microbes break down fibrous plant material.

Front

How many compartments does a ruminant stomach have?

Back

A ruminant stomach has four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.

Front

What part of the digestive system is enlarged in hindgut fermenters?

Back

The cecum is the part of the digestive system that is enlarged in hindgut fermenters.

Front

What is absorption in the context of digestion?

Back

Absorption is the process of taking the digested parts of feed into the bloodstream.

Front

What is the role of the reticulum in ruminant digestion?

Back

The reticulum helps in the formation of cud and traps foreign objects.

Front

What is the main difference between ruminants and monogastric animals?

Back

Ruminants have a complex stomach with multiple compartments, while monogastric animals have a single-chambered stomach.

Front

What is the function of the omasum in ruminants?

Back

The omasum absorbs water and nutrients from the digested food.

Front

What type of diet do ruminants primarily consume?

Back

Ruminants primarily consume a herbivorous diet, mainly consisting of grasses and other plant materials.

Front

What is the significance of microbial fermentation in the rumen?

Back

Microbial fermentation in the rumen allows ruminants to break down cellulose and extract nutrients from fibrous plant material.