The Secret Ingredient in Ruminant Spit

The video explains how humans and ruminants like cows and sheep handle nitrogen and urea. Humans convert ammonia into urea to prevent toxicity, which is then excreted. Ruminants, however, recycle urea through their saliva and gut microbes, turning it into useful nutrients. This process, called urea recycling, allows them to efficiently use nitrogen, even when their diet lacks it. Researchers are studying this system to reduce nitrogen waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The adaptation highlights the efficiency of ruminants in nutrient utilization.

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