Ruminant Digestion Explained

Dr. Marty explains the cow's digestive system, starting from the mouth, where cows lack upper incisors, to the esophagus and reticulum, known as the 'honeycomb.' The rumen, filled with microbes, breaks down food into energy. Primary and secondary contractions move food and gas through the digestive tract. On the right side, the omum and abomasum absorb water and perform chemical digestion. The small intestine absorbs electrolytes, while the large intestine absorbs water before excretion.

What is unique about a cow's mouth structure compared to most mammals?

• Cows have a beak-like structure.

• Cows lack top incisors.

• Cows have an extra set of molars.

• Cows have a larger tongue.

What is the primary function of the microbes in the rumen?

• To break down grass into energy.

• To produce oxygen.

• To aid in the cow's breathing.

• To produce milk.

How does the reticulum's structure resemble its nickname?

• It's colored like honey.

• It's shaped like a honey jar.

• It looks like pieces of bee honeycomb.

• It has a smooth, slippery surface.

What role do protozoa play in the cow's rumen?

• They help in breaking down food into energy.

• They are responsible for milk production.

• They absorb nutrients from the food.

• They produce oxygen for the cow.

What triggers the primary contraction in the cow's digestive system?

• The cow's sleeping cycle.

• The lowering of the reticular ruminal fold.

• The expansion of the thoracic cavity.

• The intake of water.

What is the significance of the secondary ruminal contraction?

• It signals the cow to eat more.

• It pushes feedstuff up for further digestion.

• It initiates the digestion process.

• It produces digestive enzymes.

What is the main role of the omasum in the cow's digestive system?

• To ferment the remaining food particles.

• To store undigested food.

• To produce bile.

• To absorb water.

What is the pH level of the abomasum compared to the rumen?

• More alkaline in the abomasum.

• More acidic in the abomasum.

• pH level fluctuates in both.

• Same pH level in both.

What happens in the cow's large intestine?

• Production of digestive enzymes.

• Final stages of water reabsorption.

• Absorption of major nutrients.

• Primary digestion of food.

What is the primary role of the small intestine in the cow's digestive system?

• To produce digestive enzymes.

• To store undigested food.

• To absorb electrolytes and minerals.

• To ferment food particles.