LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The ruminant stomach has 4 compartments: 1) rumen, 2) reticulum, 3) omasum, and 4) abomasum (Van Soest, 1994). Pregastric fermentation and breakdown of feeds occurs in the rumen, reticulum, and omasum, whereas the abomasum is the true stomach and is similar in structure and function to the non-ruminant stomach.

Detailed explanation-2: -Known as the true stomach because it’s most like a monogastric animal’s stomach, the abomasum is where acids and digestive juices mingle with the food particles. From here, food moves to the small intestine.

Detailed explanation-3: -Typically, the rumen and reticulum are considered one organ because they have similar functions and are separated only by a small muscular fold of tissue. They are collectively referred to as the reticulorumen.

Detailed explanation-4: -You see, the abomasum has the same basic function as the stomach of the dog, man, or other mammal, which is the production of acids, buffers, and enzymes to break down food. After passing through the abomasum, partially digested food enters the small intestine where digestion continues and nutrients are absorbed.