AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Rumen fermentation is a process that converts ingested feed into energy sources for the host. Fiber scratches the rumen wall to start a series of contractions. These contractions lead to rumination, which is the process that physically breaks down the fiber source.

Detailed explanation-2: -The rumen breaks down food particles through mechanical digestion and fermentation with the help of symbiotic microbes. Volatile fatty acids are the main product of ruminant digestion. The rumen is involved in waste removal.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main end products of fermentation are volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and microbial biomass, which are used by the host ruminant. The interaction between microorganisms and the host animal results in a symbiotic relationship that allows ruminants to digest diets rich in fiber and low in protein.

Detailed explanation-4: -A product of rumen fermentation is methane (CH4), which is a potent greenhouse gas when released to the atmosphere, and also a loss of energy for ruminants (Eckard et al., 2010; Martin et al., 2010).