rumens

Bovine digestive compartments

Rumens is the plural of rumen, the largest of the four stomach compartments in cattle, sheep, goats, and other cud-chewing animals.

The rumen functions as a fermentation vat where bacteria break down plant material before the animal regurgitates and rechews it.

The veterinarian examined the rumens of several sick cows.

anatomy

reticulum

Net-shaped anatomical structure

abomasumRuminant's acid-secreting stomach
paunchProtruding abdomen
compartmentEnclosed subdivision of space

foregut · papillae · epithelium · mucosa · pillars · cardia · orifice

fermentation

anaerobic

Not requiring oxygen

microbiomeBody's microbial community
bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
protozoaSingle-celled eukaryotic organisms

cellulose · lignin · volatile fatty acids · acetate · propionate · methane · biogas · symbiosis · microflora

digestion

regurgitation

Ejecting swallowed material

cudRechewed stomach contents
bolusChewed food mass
masticationTeeth-based food breakdown

rechewing · breakdown · absorption · nutrients · enzymes · hydrolysis · saliva · chyme · digestibility · forage

ruminants

cattle

Domesticated bovines kept commercially

cowFemale bovine
sheepWoolly farm animal
goatHorned, bearded livestock

buffalo · giraffe · deer · antelope · llama · alpaca · camel · yak · bison · elk

livestock

grazing

Feeding on pasture

pastureGrazing ground for livestock
dairyMilk-based foods collectively
beefBovine meat for eating

feed · fodder · silage · hay · concentrate · ration · feedlot · agriculture · husbandry · nutrition

Opposites

digestive system complexity

Rear digestive segment

digestive strategy

rumenscolons

Marks before a list

small intestines

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