Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Digestive system of a goat
• Rumen: This is the largest compartment, comprising about 80 percent of the whole stom-
ach. It is sometimes called the fermentation vat because this is where most of the fer-
mentation takes place. The rumen is most important for the digestion of fiber, and fiber
makes up a large part of the goat's diet.
• Reticulum: This is separated from the rumen only by a partial wall. When dissected, the
inside is made up of many little cups that look like a honeycomb, so it is often called the
“honeycomb” compartment. It functions as a fluid pump.
• Omasum: Also called many ply, this compartment has many folds, similar to a cabbage.
Its function is to absorb nutrients.
• Abomasum: This is the second largest of the four stomachs and is referred to as the “true
stomach” because it is where real digestion occurs. The abomasum contains pepsin en-
zymes and hydrochloric acid that break down proteins into easily digested simple com-
pounds.
When a ruminant eats, the partly chewed food enters the rumen and reticulum, where it fer-
ments with the acidic saliva. A well-developed rumen can hold 4 to 5 gallons of liquid and
fermenting fiber. What cannot be broken down is sent back to the mouth as soft masses (cud)
