Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The ruminant stomach is composed of 4 separate compartments. Food passes first into the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]], then [[The Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]], [[The Omasum - Anatomy & Physiology|omasum]] and finally into the [[The Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|abomasum]] before entering the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]]. The first three compartments are adapted to digest complex carbohydrates with the aid of microorganisms which produce [[Volatile Fatty Acids - Anatomy & Physioogy|volatile fatty acids]] - the major energy source of ruminants. The last compartments, the [[The Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|abomasum]] resembles the simple [[Forestomach - Anatomy & Physiology|monogastric stomach]] in structure and function.

The ruminant stomach is composed of 4 separate compartments. Food passes first into the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]], then [[The Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]], [[The Omasum - Anatomy & Physiology|omasum]] and finally into the [[The Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|abomasum]] before entering the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]]. The first three compartments are adapted to digest complex carbohydrates with the aid of microorganisms which produce [[Volatile Fatty Acids - Anatomy & Physioogy|volatile fatty acids]] - the major energy source of ruminants. The last compartments, the [[The Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|abomasum]] resembles the simple [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|monogastric stomach]] in structure and function.

The microorganisms in the ruminant stomach also synthesise all of the B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin synthesis in the rumen is sufficient for growth and maintenance. Only vitamins E, D and A should be provided in the ruminant diet. Under normal conditions, ruminants will not require B vitamins added in the diet. Cobalt is needed for vitamin B12 synthesis and so cobalt should be provided in the diet or vitamin B12 injected directly into the bloodstream. In stress conditions, vitamin B3 (Niacin) and vitamin B1 (Thiamine) may also need to be provided in the diet.

The microorganisms in the ruminant stomach also synthesise all of the B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin synthesis in the rumen is sufficient for growth and maintenance. Only vitamins E, D and A should be provided in the ruminant diet. Under normal conditions, ruminants will not require B vitamins added in the diet. Cobalt is needed for vitamin B12 synthesis and so cobalt should be provided in the diet or vitamin B12 injected directly into the bloodstream. In stress conditions, vitamin B3 (Niacin) and vitamin B1 (Thiamine) may also need to be provided in the diet.

==Physiology==

==Physiology==

* In most animals, after swallowing, food leaves the [[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|oesophagus]] and enters the [[Forestomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]]. In ruminants, food enters the [[The Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|abomasum]] after fermentation in the forestomach.  

* In most animals, after swallowing, food leaves the [[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|oesophagus]] and enters the [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]]. In ruminants, food enters the [[The Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|abomasum]] after fermentation in the forestomach.  

* The [[Forestomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]] acts as a reservoir in which a semi-solid mass (chyme) is formed from the ingested food before passing into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]].

* The [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]] acts as a reservoir in which a semi-solid mass (chyme) is formed from the ingested food before passing into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]].

* With the exception of water, little absorption occurs in the [[Forestomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]].

* With the exception of water, little absorption occurs in the [[Monogastric Stomach - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]].

* Gastric juice is highly acidic, and contains:

* Gastric juice is highly acidic, and contains:

** HCl, produced by the parietal cells

** HCl, produced by the parietal cells