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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The ruminant stomach is composed of 4 separate compartments. Food passes first into the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]], then [[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 ruminant stomach is composed of 4 separate compartments. Food passes first into the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]], then [[Reticulum - Anatomy & Physiology|reticulum]], [[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.