Ruminants Review

The statement is true because prehension, mechanical breakdown, and chemical digestion are indeed functions of the digestive system. Prehension refers to the act of taking in food through the mouth, mechanical breakdown involves the physical breakdown of food through chewing and churning, and chemical digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller molecules through the action of enzymes and other digestive juices. These functions are essential for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body.

If the gas produced by bacterial action in the rumen is not removed or released, it will cause the animal to bloat. Bloating occurs when the gas accumulates in the rumen and cannot be expelled. This can lead to a distended abdomen, discomfort, and potentially more serious complications such as pressure on the diaphragm or other organs. It is important to address bloating promptly to prevent further complications and ensure the proper functioning of the rumen.

Roughage is defined as any feed ingredient with more than 20% crude fiber content and is known for its low nutrient density and low dry matter digestibility. This means that roughage provides less nutritional value and is harder for animals to digest compared to other feed ingredients. Therefore, the statement that roughage contains relatively low levels of nutrient density and is low in dry matter digestibility is true.

The functions of absorption, elimination, and protection are all related to the digestive system. This system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body. It also plays a role in protecting the body from harmful substances by filtering out toxins and bacteria. Therefore, the correct answer is digestive.

Concentrates are feed sources that are high in energy and low in fiber, such as grains and oilseeds. Roughages, on the other hand, are feed sources that are high in fiber, such as hay and grass. The rumen is the first compartment of the cow's stomach where microbial fermentation of feed occurs. Concentrates are more easily broken down and digested by the microbes in the rumen compared to roughages. This is because concentrates have a higher starch and sugar content, which can be readily fermented by the rumen microbes. Therefore, it is true that concentrates pass through the rumen quicker than roughages.

The abomasum is the fourth chamber of the ruminant stomach and is responsible for the final digestion of food before it enters the small intestine. This chamber is similar to the stomach of monogastric animals, where the breakdown of food occurs through the secretion of digestive enzymes and acid. Therefore, the statement suggests that the process of digestion in the abomasum is comparable to that of monogastric animals.

The esophageal groove is a muscular tube in ruminant animals that allows milk to bypass the rumen and go directly to the abomasum. This is important because milk contains lactose, which can be fermented by bacteria in the rumen and cause digestive issues. By bypassing the rumen, milk can be quickly digested in the abomasum, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption. Therefore, the statement that the esophageal groove allows ingested milk to bypass the rumen is true.

The reticulum is the stomach chamber that is lined with intersecting ridges that form honeycomb-like projections. These projections help to increase the surface area of the reticulum, allowing for more efficient absorption of nutrients. The reticulum is an important part of the digestive system in ruminant animals, such as cows, as it aids in the breakdown and fermentation of plant material.

The reticulum is one of the four compartments of the ruminant stomach, found in animals like cows and sheep. It is responsible for trapping and holding hardware, such as nails or wire, that may have been accidentally ingested by the animal. The reticulum has a honeycomb-like structure that allows it to catch and retain these foreign objects, preventing them from moving further into the digestive system where they could cause harm.

Bacteria are the correct answer because they are one of the three types of microbes found in the rumen fluid. The given information states that there are 15-50 billion microbes per milliliter of rumen fluid, and bacteria are one of these microbes. The information also mentions that the microbes in the rumen fluid have various shapes and sizes, which is true for bacteria. Additionally, the statement that the microbes function differently is also applicable to bacteria, as they play a crucial role in the fermentation of feed in the rumen.

White Muscle Disease is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium. The signs mentioned in the question, such as respiratory distress, stiff gait, tremors, and painful muscles, are consistent with this disease. Treatment for White Muscle Disease involves giving injections of vitamin E and selenium, which helps to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further muscle damage.

Mature cows produce 12 gallons of saliva per day. This is because cows have a large rumen, which is the first compartment of their stomach, where fermentation of their food takes place. Saliva is crucial in this fermentation process as it helps break down the food and aids in digestion. Cows need a significant amount of saliva to properly digest their food, which is why they produce such a large quantity of it daily.

When bloat occurs in animals, the left side of the animal becomes distended. Bloat is a condition characterized by the accumulation of gas or fluid in the digestive system, causing the stomach to expand. This expansion primarily affects the left side of the animal's abdomen, leading to distension.

The pH level in the rumen PROMOTES microbial growth.

The feed becomes HIGHLY FLUID as it passes from the abomasum into the small intestine.

Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can be found in the rumen fluid. They prey on bacteria, which helps to control the bacterial population in the rumen. They also play a role in digesting soluble carbohydrates, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be absorbed by the animal. Therefore, protozoa are an important component of the rumen ecosystem and contribute to the overall digestion process.

Copper toxicosis is the correct answer because the signs mentioned, such as lethargy, depression, diarrhea, weakness, hemolysis, jaundice, and port-wine colored urine, are consistent with copper poisoning. Copper toxicosis occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of copper in the body, leading to various symptoms. Additionally, the statement that treatment is usually unsuccessful suggests that copper toxicosis is a challenging condition to manage effectively.

Hypocalcemia is the correct answer because the signs listed, such as stiff gait, tremors, tetany, constipation, and decreased rumen contractions, are all associated with low levels of calcium in the body. Hypocalcemia is a condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to muscle stiffness, tremors, and other symptoms mentioned.

is the process of forcing the feed back into the mouth for chewing. It involves bringing the partially digested food back up from the stomach or esophagus and into the mouth to be chewed again. This can occur in some animals as a natural part of their digestion process, such as birds regurgitating food to feed their young. It can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions in humans, where food is brought back up into the mouth involuntarily.

The correct answer is 60-70%. The omasum is the third compartment of the stomach in ruminant animals, where further water absorption takes place. As the material passes through the omasum, it undergoes additional dehydration, resulting in a decrease in moisture content. Therefore, the material leaving the omasum is expected to be approximately 60-70% drier than the material entering it.

Protein overload refers to a condition where an animal consumes an excessive amount of protein, which can lead to various symptoms and health issues. The signs mentioned in the question, such as muscle tremors, increased respiration, and tetanic spasms, can be attributed to the overload of protein. Giving vinegar and water via a stomach tube is a treatment method used to address this condition.

The main gases produced by bacterial action in the rumen are CO2 and CH4. CO2 is produced as a byproduct of the fermentation process, while CH4, also known as methane, is produced by methanogenic bacteria during the breakdown of organic matter. These gases are important in the rumen as they contribute to the overall digestion and fermentation processes that occur in the rumen.

The omasum is the correct answer because it is the part of the cow's stomach that grinds and squeezes the feed.

Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood. The signs mentioned in the question, such as excitability, convulsions, muscle spasms, increased respiratory rate, and death in pasture, are all associated with hypomagnesemia. Magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to these symptoms. This condition is commonly seen in ruminant animals, such as cattle, and can occur when there is a lack of magnesium in their diet or an imbalance in other minerals that affect magnesium absorption.

The rumen is a part of the digestive system in ruminant animals, such as cows, sheep, and goats. It is a large fermentation chamber where bacteria and other microorganisms break down the fibrous plant material that the animal consumes. The pH level in the rumen is important for the proper functioning of these microorganisms. A pH range of 6.0-6.5 is considered ideal for the rumen because it allows for optimal activity of the microorganisms involved in fermentation. This pH range provides an environment that is conducive to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler molecules that can be absorbed by the animal for energy.

The correct answer is "papillae" or "Papillae". Papillae are small finger-like projections that line the interior wall of the rumen. They increase the absorption ability of the rumen wall by increasing the surface area. These structures help in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients in the rumen, facilitating the digestion process in ruminant animals.

Yeast is generally thought to aid in the digestion of very fibrous components of feed, such as lignin and cellulose. Their action, however, is not completely understood.

The saliva of ruminants does NOT contain enzymes to help digest starches.

Cattle spend an average of 5-7 hours ruminating each day, which is the process of regurgitating and re-chewing their food to aid in digestion. This time is broken up into 6-8 rumination periods, allowing the cattle to thoroughly process their food and extract as many nutrients as possible.

Sheep produce 2 gallons of saliva per day.

Ruminal ACIDOSIS is usually caused by an overload of readily fermentable carbohydrates.

The correct answer is that gaseous bloat (chronic) is the result of gas buildup in the rumen and usually indicates that there is something wrong with the animal, either anatomically or neural. This means that there may be a physical or neurological issue causing the gas to accumulate in the rumen, leading to the condition of chronic gaseous bloat. It is often seen in grazing animals, particularly those that consume high-protein forages such as alfalfa and red clover.

A trocar is a medical instrument used to puncture the rumen wall from the outside when an animal has bloat. Bloat is a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of gas in the rumen, causing the stomach to distend. In such cases, a trocar is inserted into the rumen to release the trapped gas and relieve the pressure. This procedure helps to alleviate the discomfort and potential complications associated with bloat.

If all of the protozoa in the host animal are killed, the animal will do fine because protozoa are microscopic organisms that can cause various diseases in animals. By eliminating them, the animal's health will improve and it will not be susceptible to any infections or illnesses caused by protozoa.

The pH level of the abomasum is 3.5-4.0. The abomasum is the fourth compartment of the stomach in ruminant animals, such as cows and sheep. It is responsible for further breaking down the food particles that have been partially digested in the rumen and reticulum. The pH level in the abomasum is acidic, which helps in the digestion of proteins and kills any bacteria that may have survived the fermentation process in the previous compartments of the stomach. The pH range of 3.5-4.0 is optimal for the enzymatic activity and overall functioning of the abomasum.

The esophageal groove forms a passageway from the cardia to the omasum. The cardia is the opening of the stomach where the esophagus connects, while the omasum is the third compartment of the ruminant stomach. The esophageal groove allows for the direct passage of food from the cardia to the omasum, bypassing the reticulum and abomasum. This is an important adaptation in ruminants, as it allows for the efficient digestion and processing of food in the stomach.

Protozoans, bacteria, and fungi are all microorganisms found in the rumen and reticulum. However, the given statement mentions that these microorganisms digest cellulose, compile starch, synthesize protein, and synthesize vitamins. Among the three options, only bacteria are capable of performing all these functions. Protozoans primarily digest cellulose and synthesize vitamins, while fungi mainly decompose cellulose. Therefore, the correct answer is bacteria.

It contains low crude fiber content (

The rumen, which is a part of the cow's stomach, functions as a fermentation vat where microbial digestion takes place. It is responsible for breaking down and fermenting the digestible dry matter in the cow's diet. The given answer, 50-85%, suggests that the rumen accounts for a significant portion of the total utilization of the digestible dry matter in the ration. This range indicates that the rumen plays a crucial role in the digestion and utilization of nutrients in the cow's diet.

The three general types of ruminal bacteria are free floaters, feed-associated bacteria, and adherent bacteria. Free floaters are bacteria that are suspended in the ruminal fluid and are not attached to any substrate. Feed-associated bacteria are those that attach themselves to feed particles and break down complex carbohydrates. Adherent bacteria are bacteria that attach to the ruminal wall and contribute to the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose. These three types of bacteria play important roles in the rumen ecosystem and contribute to the digestion and fermentation processes.

The correct answer is "High fiber, based on crude protein, lower protein quality." Ruminants, such as cows and sheep, have a unique digestive system that allows them to break down and utilize high-fiber plant material. Therefore, their rations need to be high in fiber to meet their nutritional requirements. The ration composition is also based on crude protein, as ruminants require a certain amount of protein for growth and maintenance. However, the protein quality in ruminant rations is generally lower compared to other animals, as ruminants can synthesize their own proteins from non-protein nitrogen sources like urea.

Frothy bloat is a condition that occurs due to the buildup of gas in the rumen. The presence of soluble proteins in the rumen leads to the production of a viscous liquid, which traps the gas and prevents its release. This condition is more commonly seen in grazing animals, particularly those that consume plants such as alfalfa and red clover. Additionally, frothy bloat usually indicates that there is something wrong with the animal, either anatomically or neurologically.

The answer choices provided describe characteristics of feed-associated ruminal bacteria. These bacteria make up 50% of total bacteria on grain diets and 75% on forage diets, indicating their importance in the digestion of these types of feed. They are also cellulose digesters, which means they play a crucial role in breaking down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls. These bacteria physically attach to feed particles, allowing them to efficiently metabolize the nutrients present. They secrete metabolic by-products into the rumen fluid, contributing to the overall fermentation process. Lastly, they help prevent the washing-out of the rumen, ensuring the bacteria remain in the optimal environment for digestion.

Adherent ruminal bacteria make up 12-25% of the total bacteria in the rumen. They primarily metabolize dead epithelial cells and physically attach to the epithelium of the rumen wall. They also have the ability to break down urea and are facultative anaerobes. These bacteria play an important role in the rumen by preventing the washing-out of the rumen and secreting metabolic by-products into the rumen fluid.

Free-floating bacteria are a type of bacteria that are not physically attached to any surface or feed particles. They are found in the rumen fluid and make up 12-30% of the total bacteria population. These bacteria primarily metabolize soluble substrates and help prevent the washing-out of the rumen. They also have the ability to break down urea and are facultative anaerobes.