Question

Describe the process of digestion in ruminants.

Answer 1

Digestion in ruminants takes place in their four- chambered stomach and end in the small intestine. The four chambers are:
(a) Rumen: The partial digestion of food takes place in this chamber.
(b) Reticulum: The partially digested food is moved back to the mouth to be re-chewed through this chamber.
(c) Omasum: This chamber helps in absorbing excess water
(d) Abomasum: The digestive juices secreted by the walls of the abomasum help in the absorption of food and pass it into the small intestine.

Small intestines: In the small intestines, absorpotion of the food passed from the abomasum begins. Simultaneously, bile and pancreatic juice is mixed with the food in the small intestine to allow digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.