Rumiant Digestion

-mouth -esophagus -rumen -reticulum -omasum -abomasum -small intestine -cecum -large intestine

-entry point for all feed, forage, and water that an animal consumes -digestion begins in the mouth

The teeth, dental pad, and tongue break down the feed or forage through chewing

Digestive enzymes begin breaking down the feed or forage. Secreted through the salivary glands

A muscular passage connecting the mouth with the stomach of animals

A thin, valve like, cartilaginous structure that covers the glottis during the swallowing. Helps prevent feed, forage, or water from entering the larynx

-1st chamber of the ruminant stomach -remains a constant 39-42 degrees Celsius -remains in constant motion -holds 80% of the contents 4 stomachs -aka fermentation vat

-2nd chamber of the ruminant stomach -houses microorganisms -catches hardware and prevents it from traveling through the digestive tract -has a honeycomb lining pattern -only has a 5% capacity

Small pieces of metal and other materials that animals accidentally consume

-3rd chamber of the ruminant stomach -it is comprised of folded tissue that lines the entire chamber -resembles an ocean -primary function is water absorption

-4th chamber of the ruminant stomach -aka the true stomach -where chemical digestion occurs for the feed and forage that the animal consumes -the only stomach that is involved in chemical digestion

responsible for the absorption of the majority of the nutrients that have been broken down in the 4 compartments of the stomach

-connects the small intestine to the large intestine -another place that microbial digestion occurs

-mainly responsible for absorbing water -transports waste to the anus for excretion -5-6 times the animals body length

Responsible for bile production

-Responsible for storing and releasing bile -a pear shaped, muscular sac that is attached to the underside of the liver