Digestive System Basics
What is the process of breaking feed down into simple substances the body can absorb?
Digestion
Which compartment of the ruminant stomach has a carpet-like lining and performs microbial digestion?
Rumen
What organ connects the mouth to the stomach?
Esophagus
Which nutrient is the primary energy source in livestock feed?
Carbohydrates
What is the total amount of feed an animal receives in 24 hours called?
Ration
What are involuntary muscular contractions that push food through the digestive tract?
Peristalsis
Which compartment has a honeycomb lining and catches foreign objects?
Reticulum
What avian structure stores and softens feed?
Crop
Which nutrient builds body tissues such as muscle, skin, and hair?
Proteins
Which ration meets only the basic nutritional needs for survival?
Maintenance ration
What is the small mass of feed once swallowed called?
Bolus
Which compartment grinds and squeezes food to remove water?
Omasum
Which muscular organ in birds grinds feed using grit?
Gizzard
Which nutrient provides 2–2.25× the energy of carbohydrates?
Fats and Oils
Which ration supports milk or egg production and is high in protein, calcium, and phosphorus?
Production ration
What are organic catalyst substances that speed up digestion?
Enzymes
Which compartment is considered the “true stomach”?
Abomasum
What is the main function of the large intestine?
Absorbing water
Which nutrient helps dissolve and carry other nutrients through the body?
Water
Which ration supports gestation and breeding and contains the highest nutrient levels?
Reproduction ration
What term describes the process of grasping feed using lips, tongue, or teeth?
Prehension
What two compartments make up about 85% of the ruminant stomach?
Rumen and Reticulum
Birds have two of which digestive structure?
Ceca
Which nutrient group includes inorganic materials needed in small amounts?
Minerals
Which species-specific diet consists mainly of concentrates?
Swine and poultry diets