Theory question 108
Animal Anatomy and PhysiologyWith the aid of a labelled diagram, describe digestion in a named ruminant.
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Named ruminant (e.g. cow); labelled diagram: mouth, oesophagus, rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum, small intestine, large intestine/caecum, rectum, anus
Mouth: feed chewed briefly and mixed with saliva, swallowed
Rumen: microbes (bacteria, protozoa) ferment cellulose into volatile fatty acids, make microbial protein and B vitamins; gases belched
Reticulum: further mixing; food formed into cud which is regurgitated, re-chewed (rumination) and swallowed
Omasum: water absorbed, food ground by leaves (folds)
Abomasum (true stomach): gastric juice (HCl, pepsin) digests protein
Small intestine: enzymes from pancreas and bile complete digestion; nutrients absorbed
Large intestine/caecum: water absorbed, some microbial fermentation; waste passed out as faeces
A clear labelled diagram plus the role of each compartment.