Digestive Systems

2 types of digestion systemsRuminants

Have a four chamber stomachNonruminants (monogastric)

Single chamber stomach

RuminantsRumen – “The Fermentation Vat”

A. Largest compartmentB. 80% of the stomachs capacityC. Contains millions of bacteria and

microorganismsD. This bacteria and microorganisms

transform food into essential amino acidsE. Food is regurgitated from the rumen,

rechewed in the form of cud, and reswallowed for further digestion

Reticulum“The honey comb”

A. Inner walls are lined with membranes that are divided into honeycomb-like compartments

B. Foreign matter like nails and wire is filtered by the reticulum

C. Acts as a collection site for metal objects

Omasum“Manyplies”

A. Contains many folds of tissue that line the interior

B. Absorbs water and decreases the size of food particles

Abomasum“True Stomach”

A. Secretes digestive enzymesB. Acts like a non-ruminant stomach

Functions as digestive unit in calves until several months old when rumination begins

Activity…On the sheet provided label the parts of

the ruminant digestive system. You will need to make you picture more three dimensional by using any kinds of items to enhance the ruminant digestive system.(eg: straws for colon, string for intestine, different color paper to match the parts like a puzzle)

Be creative!!!!

NonruminantsFood is passed from mouth to the

esophagus to a single compartment stomach

Continued…The stomach breaks down food through

muscular movement and digestive juicesDigestive juices break down proteins and

fats

Little more…The primary site for digestion and

absorption of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins is the small intestine

Undigested food passes from the small intestine to the large intestine where water is absorbed and lubricating mucus is added to aid the passage of material through the large intestine

Cecal fermentersHorses, guinea pigs and rabbits are

examples of cecal fermenters. They all have a large cecum allowing them

to consume moderate levels of roughagesBacteria is present in the cecum to digest

roughages

Types of digestive systemsDigestion

The process where food particles are broken down into nutrients

There are five processes of digestion

MechanicalDigestion begins in the mouth where the

food is chewed and broken down into smaller pieces.

Poultry have no teeth, but use a gizzard to grind and break down food. The gizzard is a muscular structure in the esophagus that contains grit.

PeristalsisMuscular contraction of the digestive

system that causes food to move through the digestive tract

ChemicalInvolves enzymes and acids to reduce food

particle size and change food particles into forms that the animal can use.

This can take place in the mouth with salivaMost takes place in the stomach and small

intestines

AbsorptionNutrients from the digestive tract into the

bloodstream.This takes place mainly in the small

intestine through villi (microscopic structures that lien the walls of the SI)

In ruminants this can take place in the rumen

MetabolismProcess that removes nutrients

from the bloodstream and allows different organs of the body to use nutrients.

This is responsible for growth of bone, muscle, fat, skin and hair. It also help to maintain body temperature and proper functioning of organs.

It also aids in repair of body tissue, production of milk and young, and performance.