Question

Choose the correct order of terms that describes the process of nutrition in ruminants.

• A.
  Swallowing → Partial digestion → Chewing of cud → Complete digestion
• B.
  Chewing of cud → Swallowing → Partial digestion → Complete digestion
• C.
  Chewing of cud → Swallowing → Mixing with digestive juices → Digestion
• D.
  Swallowing → Chewing and mixing → Partial digestion → Complete digestion

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Swallowing → Partial digestion → Chewing of cud → Complete digestion

• When ruminants such as cows, buffaloes etc. eat grass, they first chew it rapidly and pass it into the first chamber known as the rumen.
• Bacteria in the rumen produce cellulase and that helps in the breakdown of cellulose present in the grass.
• This partially digested food is known as cud. It is regurgitated back to the animal's mouth for futher chewing.
• After it has been chewed, the cud is then sent to the remaining chambers of the stomach and the intestine. The digestive juices present help the cud to be completely digested.