Animal Physiology SAQ's Q & A.docx

What process do ruminants use to chew their food after initial swallowing? ANSWER: Ruminants regurgitate their food to chew it again, a process known as rumination. What leads to ruminant acidosis in cattle? ANSWER: Ruminant acidosis in cattle is usually caused by the ingestion of large amounts o...

What process do ruminants use to chew their food after initial swallowing? ANSWER: Ruminants regurgitate their food to chew it again, a process known as rumination. What leads to ruminant acidosis in cattle? ANSWER: Ruminant acidosis in cattle is usually caused by the ingestion of large amounts of fermentable, carbohydrate-rich feeds. What is the primary symptom of bloat in ruminants? ANSWER: The primary symptom of bloat is the buildup of gas in the rumen, which is not effectively released. How can acidosis in cattle be prevented? ANSWER: Acidosis can be prevented through the correct feeding and management of the cattle herd. What natural process contributes to gas production in the rumen? ANSWER: Gas production in the rumen is a natural product of the fermentation process. What occurs when gas is not released properly in ruminants? ANSWER: When gas is not released properly, it leads to bloat, causing discomfort and potential health issues. What is a consequence of excessive acid accumulation in the rumen? ANSWER: Excessive acid accumulation in the rumen can lead to ruminant acidosis, a metabolic disease. Describe the relationship between ruminants and microbes in their digestive process. ANSWER: Ruminants have a symbiotic relationship with microbes that assist in the fermentation of food in the rumen. What role does HCl play in the stomach of ruminants? ANSWER: HCl maintains the acidic nature of the stomach, achieving a pH of 2. Explain the significance of pepsinogen in the ruminant stomach. ANSWER: Pepsinogen is converted into pepsin by the acidic environment, enabling protein digestion. Describe how gastric juices contribute to digestion in ruminants. ANSWER: Gastric juices containing HCl and pepsinogen are secreted, facilitating chemical breakdown of food. What happens to food in the stomach of ruminants? ANSWER: Food is chemically and physically broken down by gastric juices and muscular contractions. How does the acidic pH in the ruminant stomach affect digestive processes? ANSWER: The acidic pH activates pepsinogen to pepsin, enhancing protein digestion. What is the relationship between HCl and pepsinogen in ruminant digestion? ANSWER: HCl activates pepsinogen to form pepsin, which is necessary for protein digestion. What dietary adaptation does the rumen undergo when transitioning to high grain diets? ANSWER: The rumen needs to adapt to the changes in diet, particularly by increasing its efficiency in digesting grains. How does adequate fiber supplementation affect the rumen? ANSWER: Adequate fiber promotes movement and peristalsis in the rumen. What is the primary role of the reticulum in ruminants? ANSWER: The reticulum aids in collecting smaller digesta particles and facilitates microbial fermentation. What is the function of the omasum in ruminant digestion? ANSWER: The omasum is responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients from the digested food. How many compartments does the ruminant stomach have? ANSWER: The ruminant stomach has four compartments. What is the primary difference between the diet of ruminants and monogastrics? ANSWER: Ruminants primarily consume plant-based materials, while monogastrics consume concentrate rations. What components are absorbed in the small intestine of ruminants? ANSWER: Amino acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed into capillaries. What type of dentition difference exists between ruminants and monogastrics? ANSWER: 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). What is the main structural difference between ruminant and monogastric digestive systems? ANSWER: Ruminants have a four-compartment stomach, while monogastric animals have a single-chambered stomach. How do the teeth of ruminants differ in purpose from those of monogastric animals? ANSWER: Ruminants have incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, and molars for grinding; their tooth structure aids in processing fibrous plant material. What role do microorganisms play in the digestion of ruminant animals? ANSWER: Microorganisms in ruminants help ferment food, enabling the breakdown of cellulose and other complex carbohydrates. Describe the purpose of saliva in the digestive process of cattle. ANSWER: Saliva acts as a lubricant, facilitates chewing and swallowing, and initiates the breakdown of food. Why is anaerobic digestion important for ruminants? ANSWER: Anaerobic digestion allows ruminants to efficiently ferment and break down plant material, maximizing nutrient absorption. Name the four compartments of a ruminant\'s stomach. ANSWER: The four compartments are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. What are the functions of incisors and molars in the digestive system of ruminants? ANSWER: Incisors are used for cutting and biting, while molars are used for crushing and grinding food. How does the presence of flat premolars benefit ruminants? ANSWER: Flat premolars allow ruminants to grind material effectively, which is crucial for breaking down fibrous plant cell walls.