University:
Sam Houston State University
Course:
BIOL 2413 | General Zoology
Academic year:

2022
Views:

475

Pages:

11
Author:

SpaceCadet101

Ruminant Digestion Different Digestive Systems  The three different types of digestive systems are:  Monogastric  Modified Monogastric  Ruminant Ruminant     A few animals with ruminant digestive systems are sheep, cattle, goats, deer and giraffes. Ruminant animals have four complex stomach structures. The four stomachs are called the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. Herbivores are usually ruminant animals. Parts of Ruminant System        Mouth- teeth and lips hold food and chew it, saliva moistens food. Esophagus-food travels to stomach. Four Compartments: 1st-Rumen 2nd-Reticulum 3rd-Omasum 4th-Abomasum 1st Compartment: Rumen   Large fermentation vat, where bacteria and protozoa thrive to break down roughages. Rumen is lined with papillae to increase surface area and absorption Rumen  Contains microorganisms that digest cellulose and can synthesize amino acids as well as B-complex vitamins. Rumen Sizes in Cattle and Sheep Cow- 40 Gallons Sheep- 5 Gallons 2nd Compartment- Reticulum Reticulum has a lining with small compartments similar to a honeycomb. Hence its nickname the “honeycomb.”  Interacts with the rumen in initiating mixing activity and provides additional storage for fermentation.  Capacity:  Cow: 2 Gallons  Sheep: 2 Quarts  3rd Compartment: Omasum      Omasum has many folds, often referred to as manyplies. Aids in the grinding action of the food Capacity: Cow: 4 gallons Sheep: 1 quart 4th Compartment: Abomasum Abomasum: The true stomach  Corresponds with the stomach of monogastric animals.  Majority of Digestion takes place.  Capacity:  Cow 4 Gallons, Sheep 3 quarts  Small Intestine Functions in splitting food molecules and in nutrient absorption.  Capacity of Ruminant Animals:  Cow: 15 Gallons or 130 feet  Sheep: 2 Gallons or 80 feet  Large Intestine Functions in absorbing water and forms indigestible wastes into solids.  Last chance for minor nutrient absorption.  Capacity of Ruminant Animals  Cow: 10 gallons  Sheep: 6 quarts 