|
The
Ruminant
Stomach
by
Lorrie
Blackburn,
DVM
Pygmy
goats
are
ruminants
like
sheep,
cattle,
deer,
llamas,
etc.
Their
digestive
tract
looks
and
functions
quite
differently
from
simple-stomached
animals
such
as
man,
swine,
dogs,
and
cats.
Knowing
some
of
these
differences
can
be
very
important
to
achieving
the
best
herd
management.
The
ruminant
animal
has
a
rumen,
reticulum,
omasum,
and
abomasum;
the
simple-stomached
animal
has
a
stomach.
The
newborn
ruminant
functions
as
a
simple-stomached
animal.
At
birth,
the
rumen
is
small
and
nonfunctional.
When
the
kid
nurses,
a
band
of
muscle
tissue
(the
esophageal
groove)
closes
to
form
a
direct
tubular
connection
from
the
esophagus
to
the
abomasum.
If
you
bottle-feed
kids,
it
is
important
to
hold
the
kid
in
a
natural
nursing
position
so
the
esophageal
groove
closes
properly.
If
milk
is
put
into
the
rumen,
either
by
tube-feeding
or
improper
bottle-feeding,
a
considerable
time
may
elapse
before
the
milk
makes
it
to
the
abomasum
and
can
be
digested
for
use.
Milk
may
also
curdle
in
the
rumen
and
cause
some
colic
symptoms.
As
the
kid
matures
and
nibbles
on
his
environment,
he
slowly
introduces
the
microorganisms
(bacteria)
necessary
for
proper
rumen
function.
Kids
raised
by
their
mothers
develop
rumens
more
quickly
than
bottle
babies,
presumably
due
to
the
mother’s
influence
on
their
eating
habits.
Very
few
bottle
babies
observe
their
two-legged
mothers
eating
hay!
Each
of
the
four
“stomachs”
has
a
particular
purpose
and
function.
The
rumen
is
the
largest
chamber
of
the
ruminant
stomach
(1-2
gallon
capacity)
and
has
no
digestive
enzymes.
It
is
a
large
fermentation
vat
populated
by
microorganisms
which
change
nondigestible
cellulose
into
proteins
which
can
be
used
by
the
body.
Roughage
is
worked
on
by
the
microorganisms,
regurgitated
and
rechewed
(as
a
cud),
then
swallowed
and
the
process
is
repeated.
Eventually
the
processed
food
passes
on
through
the
reticulum
to
the
omasum
in
a
condition
ready
to
be
digested
by
normal
body
enzymes.
Methane
is
produced
continuously
as
a
by-product
of
bacterial
action,
so
odiferous
belches
are
a
sign
of
health
rumen.
Anything
which
harms
the
rumen
microorganisms
can
effectively
halt
the
digestive
process.
The
reticulum
lies
in
front
of
and
below
the
rumen,
near
the
liver.
Its
lining
is
honeycombed
and
it
serves
as
a
catch
chamber
for
heavy
articles
in
the
feed.
In
cattle,
magnets
are
often
placed
in
the
reticulum
to
catch
and
hold
nails,
pieces
of
wire
and
other
hardware
the
animal
might
swallow.
Since
goats
are
more
fastidious
in
their
eating
habits,
magnets
are
not
necessary.
The
reticulum
from
cattle
is
sold
in
the
market
as
tripe.
The
omasum
is
divided
by
long
folds
of
tissue
which
help
decrease
the
size
of
food
particles
coming
from
the
rumen
and
which
also
help
remove
excess
fluid.
The
abomasum
is
the
true
stomach
and
is
the
only
compartment
which
produces
digestive
enzymes.
It
acts
on
food
prepared
by
the
rumen
just
like
the
simple
stomach
acts
on
food
entering
from
the
mouth.
It
is
the
area
of
primary
digestion
of
all
grain
and
milk.
Grain
and
milk
do
not
require
the
efforts
of
rumen
microorganisms.
While
being
a
ruminant
allows
our
Pygmies
to
thrive
on
a
diet
of
hay,
it
also
leaves
them
open
to
many
different
diseases
which
affect
the
four
chambers
of
the
ruminant
stomach.
Excerpts
from:
Kinne,
Maxine,
ed.
Pygmy
Goats:
Best
of
Memo
2
(1982-1987)
National
Pygmy
Goat
Association:
pp
135
This
document
is
for
informational
purposes
only
and
is
in
no
way
intended
to
be
a
substitute
for
medical
consultation
with
a
qualified
veterinary
professional.
The
information
provided
through
this
document
is
not
meant
to
be
used
in
the
diagnosis
or
treatment
of
a
health
problem
or
disease,
nor
should
it
be
construed
as
such.
|
