abomasum
Ruminant's true stomach
The abomasum is the fourth and final stomach compartment in ruminant animals like cattle, sheep, and goats.
Unlike the first three chambers, which ferment plant material through bacterial action, the abomasum functions like a typical stomach—secreting acids and enzymes for digestion.
It's sometimes called the "true stomach."
Gastric protein-cleaving enzyme
- rennetMilk-curdling enzyme complex
- hydrochloric acidCorrosive hydrogen chloride solution
- gastric juiceStomach's dissolving secretion
- chymePartially digested stomach contents
enzymes · proteolysis · acid · absorption · nutrients · pH · secretion · breakdown
Milk-curdling enzyme complex
- cheeseFermented milk solid
- cheesemakingProducing curds for aging
- curdlingSeparating into lumps
- coagulationLiquid solidifying into mass
casein · whey · artisanal cheese · tripe · offal · haggis · traditional cuisine · dairy
Rechewed stomach contents
- bovineOf the cattle family
- cattleDomesticated bovines kept commercially
- sheepWoolly farm animal
- goatHorned, bearded livestock
deer · giraffe · llama · antelope · herbivore · grazing · rumination · fermentation
First stomach of ruminants
- reticulumNet-shaped anatomical structure
- gastricOf the stomach
- mucosaMoist organ lining
- epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces
villi · pylorus · fundus · lining · folds · glands · secretory · compartment
Swell abnormally
- torsionRotational strain force
- impactionFirmly lodged condition
- acidosisExcess blood sourness
- inflammationProtective tissue response
pepsin
Gastric protein-cleaving enzyme
- rennetMilk-curdling enzyme complex
- hydrochloric acidCorrosive hydrogen chloride solution
- gastric juiceStomach's dissolving secretion
chyme · enzymes · proteolysis · acid · absorption · nutrients · pH · secretion · breakdown · curdling
rennet
Milk-curdling enzyme complex
- cheeseFermented milk solid
- cheesemakingProducing curds for aging
- curdlingSeparating into lumps
coagulation · casein · whey · artisanal cheese · tripe · offal · haggis · traditional cuisine · dairy · junket
cud
Rechewed stomach contents
goat · deer · giraffe · llama · antelope · herbivore · grazing · rumination · fermentation · microbes
rumen
First stomach of ruminants
epithelium · villi · pylorus · fundus · lining · folds · glands · secretory · compartment · chamber
bloat
Swell abnormally