1. Four-Chamber Stomach:
* Rumen: The largest chamber, where bacteria and protozoa break down cellulose in plant matter.
* Reticulum: A honeycomb-like structure that traps heavier particles and acts as a filter.
* Omasum: A muscular chamber with folds that absorb water and minerals.
* Abomasum: The "true stomach" where digestive enzymes break down food.
2. Digestive Process (Rumination):
* Ingestion: Ruminants swallow food quickly, chewing it minimally.
* Regurgitation: They bring partially digested food back to the mouth for further chewing, known as "chewing the cud". This increases surface area for bacterial digestion.
* Digestion: The food is passed through the four chambers, undergoing various bacterial and enzymatic processes.
* Absorption: Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
Key Features of Ruminants:
* Herbivores - They primarily feed on plant matter.
* Efficient digestion of cellulose - Their specialized stomach and bacteria allow them to extract energy from fibrous plant material.
* Long digestive tracts - To accommodate the complex digestive process.
* Often have hooves - Adaptation for walking and grazing.
* Examples: Cows, sheep, goats, deer, giraffes, bison, etc.
In summary, a ruminant mammal is characterized by its four-chamber stomach and the unique process of rumination, which allows them to effectively break down and extract nutrients from plant matter.