Animal Physiology: The Digestive System

Ruminants regurgitate their food to chew it again, a process known as rumination.

Ruminant acidosis in cattle is usually caused by the ingestion of large amounts of fermentable, carbohydrate-rich feeds.

The primary symptom of bloat is the buildup of gas in the rumen, which is not effectively released.

<p>Acidosis can be prevented through the correct feeding and management of the cattle herd.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gas production in the rumen is a natural product of the fermentation process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When gas is not released properly, it leads to bloat, causing discomfort and potential health issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Excessive acid accumulation in the rumen can lead to ruminant acidosis, a metabolic disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ruminants have a symbiotic relationship with microbes that assist in the fermentation of food in the rumen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>HCl maintains the acidic nature of the stomach, achieving a pH of 2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pepsinogen is converted into pepsin by the acidic environment, enabling protein digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gastric juices containing HCl and pepsinogen are secreted, facilitating chemical breakdown of food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Food is chemically and physically broken down by gastric juices and muscular contractions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The acidic pH activates pepsinogen to pepsin, enhancing protein digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>HCl activates pepsinogen to form pepsin, which is necessary for protein digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The rumen needs to adapt to the changes in diet, particularly by increasing its efficiency in digesting grains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adequate fiber promotes movement and peristalsis in the rumen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The reticulum aids in collecting smaller digesta particles and facilitates microbial fermentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The omasum is responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients from the digested food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ruminant stomach has four compartments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ruminants primarily consume plant-based materials, while monogastrics consume concentrate rations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Amino acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed into capillaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ruminants have a unique dental formula (0 I 0 C 3 PM 3 M) while monogastrics differ (3 I 1 C 4 PM 3 M).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ruminants have a four-compartment stomach, while monogastric animals have a single-chambered stomach.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ruminants have incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, and molars for grinding; their tooth structure aids in processing fibrous plant material.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Microorganisms in ruminants help ferment food, enabling the breakdown of cellulose and other complex carbohydrates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Saliva acts as a lubricant, facilitates chewing and swallowing, and initiates the breakdown of food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Anaerobic digestion allows ruminants to efficiently ferment and break down plant material, maximizing nutrient absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The four compartments are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Incisors are used for cutting and biting, while molars are used for crushing and grinding food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flat premolars allow ruminants to grind material effectively, which is crucial for breaking down fibrous plant cell walls.</p> Signup and view all the answers