How do the stomachs of cows break down grass?
Quick Answer
Cows are ruminants with a multi-chambered stomach that ferments plant material with microbes. These microbes help digest cellulose, the tough fiber in grass.
The Full Story
Cows and other ruminants have a stomach divided into four sections: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen acts as a fermentation chamber filled with microbes that break down cellulose from grass and other plants. Cows later regurgitate partially digested food as cud and chew it again, which helps extract more nutrients. This process allows them to survive on plant material that many mammals cannot fully digest. Ruminant digestion is a major evolutionary adaptation in grazing animals.
Key Facts
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"How cows turn grass into energy with a microbial factory"
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