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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Rumination is the process of digestion in the ruminant. It involves three simplified processes. the first is regurgitation which increases the surface area of food particles for digestion through further mechanical breakdown. The second is [[Mastication|remastication]] and the third reinsalivation. Reinsalivation increases the volume of saliva produced whilst chewing and recyles minerals.
Rumination is the process of digestion in the ruminant. It involves three simplified processes. the first is regurgitation which increases the surface area of food particles for digestion through further mechanical breakdown. The second is [[Mastication|remastication]] and the third reinsalivation. Reinsalivation increases the volume of saliva produced whilst chewing and allows minerals to be recycled.
==Process==
==Process==
*Reflex initiated by mechanical stimlation of the receptors in the mucosa of the reticulum, ruminoreticular fold and cardiac area of the rumen
*Frequency of contractions depends on the animal's activity
*E.g. Cattle fed on hay or straw have the most frequent contractions at 79-100 per hour during feeding, 55-76 per hour during rumination
*E.g. Cattle that are resting (not feeding or ruminating) only have contractions 47-80 per hour
==Function==
*Decrease particle size
*Increase surface area for microbial digestion
*Breaks down impervious plant coatings
*Mixes food
*Courseness of the ration influences the amount of time spent in rumination
**E.g. Hay diet spends roughly 8 hours per day ruminating
**E.g. Ground dried grass diet spends roughly 5-9 hours per day ruminating
**E.g. Concentrate diet spends roughly 2.5 hours per day ruminating