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=== Comparative ===
=== Comparative ===
The natural diets of different animal species largely govern the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
The natural diets of different animal species largely govern the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
Broadly, animals can be classified into categories such as carnivores, herbivores or omnivores according to diet. Digestion and absorption of nutrients in carnivorous animals such as the dog and cat takes place largely in the small intestine. Because only minimal fermentation is necessary for carnivores, they have a minimally developed caecum in comparison to nonruminating herbivores such as the horse. The pig, an omnivorous animal has both a relatively long small intestine and an expanded portion of the colon that aids in fermentation of the fibrous material in the diet. The following figures illustrate the differences between the gastrointestinal tracts of the main domestic animal species. [Figures!!]
Broadly, animals can be classified into categories such as carnivores, herbivores or omnivores according to diet. Digestion and absorption of nutrients in carnivorous animals such as the dog and cat takes place largely in the small intestine. Because only minimal fermentation is necessary for carnivores, they have a minimally developed caecum in comparison to nonruminating herbivores such as the horse. The pig, an omnivorous animal has both a relatively long small intestine and an expanded portion of the colon that aids in fermentation of the fibrous material in the diet. The following figures illustrate the differences between the gastrointestinal tracts of the main domestic animal species (Reece, 2005). [Figures!!]
'''References''' <br /br>
'''References''' <br /br>
McGavin DM & Zachary, JF: Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, 4th ed, pp. 301-393. Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri, 2007.
McGavin DM & Zachary, JF: Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease, 4th ed, pp. 301-393. Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri, 2007.
Reece, WO: Functional Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, 3rd ed., pp. 312-368. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, London, England, 2005.
Young B, Heath, JW: Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 4th ed, pp. 249-274. Churchill Livinstone, London, England, 2000.
Young B, Heath, JW: Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 4th ed, pp. 249-274. Churchill Livinstone, London, England, 2000.