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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The ruminant stomach is composed of 4 separate compartments. Food passes first into the rumen, then reticulum, omasum and finally into the abomasum before entering the duodenum. The first three stomachs are adapted to digest complex carbohydrates with the aid of microorganisms. The last stomach, the abomasum resembles the simple monogastric stomach in structure and function.

The ruminant stomach is composed of 4 separate compartments. Food passes first into the rumen, then reticulum, omasum and finally into the abomasum before entering the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum. The first three stomachs are adapted to digest complex carbohydrates with the aid of microorganisms. The last stomach, the abomasum resembles the simple monogastric stomach in structure and function.

The ruminant stomach occupies most of the left hand side of the abdomen. It is a vast structure, holding up to 60 litres in an adult cow. The rumen holds 80%, reticulum 5%, omasum 8% and abomasum 7% in larger ruminants. In smaller ruminants the proportions are slightly different, with the rumen holding 75%, reticulum 8%, omasum 4% and abomasum 13%.

The ruminant stomach occupies most of the left hand side of the abdomen. It is a vast structure, holding up to 60 litres in an adult cow. The rumen holds 80%, reticulum 5%, omasum 8% and abomasum 7% in larger ruminants. In smaller ruminants the proportions are slightly different, with the rumen holding 75%, reticulum 8%, omasum 4% and abomasum 13%.