Question:
How is ruminant's stomach different from humans?
Answer:
Ruminant Stomach:
- Four-chambered stomach, including the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.
- Large fermentation chamber that breaks down plant fibers with the help of microorganisms.
- Microorganisms produce volatile fatty acids and gases, such as methane, as byproducts.
- Cud is regurgitated and chewed again to further break down fibers.
- Limited digestive enzymes secreted in the stomach, with most digestion occurring in the small intestine.
- Adapted for herbivorous diet.
Human Stomach:
- Single-chambered stomach with a large muscular sac.
- Limited fermentation capacity.
- Secretes hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes to break down food.
- No cud regurgitation or additional chewing.
- Most digestion occurs in the stomach, with additional breakdown in the small intestine.
- Adapted for omnivorous diet.