High forage diets result in more acetic acid forming (60 to 70 percent of total) than propionic (15 to 20 percent) and butyric acids (5 to 15 percent). VFAs mainly consist of acetic, propionic and butyric acids and provide 50 to 70 percent of the cow’s energy, see figure 1.ĭiet can affect the amounts of each VFA microbes produce. Rumen microbes digest simple and complex carbohydrates (fiber) and convert them into VFAs. The abomasum is similar to a nonruminant stomach. These glands release hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, needed to breakdown feeds. The abomasum is the only compartment lined with glands. Feed material (ingesta) between the leaves will be drier than ingesta found in the other compartments. It absorbs water and other substances from digestive contents. The omasum is a globe-shaped structure containing leaves of tissue (like pages in a book). Leaving it untreated may lead to infection and possibly death. Nails and other sharp objects may work into the tissue and cause “hardware disease.” You can use magnets to prevent disease or correct the problem through surgery.

Heavy or dense feed and metal objects eaten by the cow drop into this compartment. Together they’re called the rumino-reticulum. A small tissue fold lies between the reticulum and rumen, but the two aren’t separate compartments. The tissues in the reticulum form a network similar to a honeycomb. The reticulum is a pouch-like structure in the forward area of the body, close to the heart.

Tiny projections (papillae) line the rumen, which increases the rumen’s surface area and the amount it can absorb. The rumen absorbs most of the VFAs from fermentation.Ī good blood supply to the rumen walls improves absorption of VFAs and other digestion products. These microbes digest or ferment feed within the rumen and make volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The rumen’s environment favors the growth of microbes. Because of its size, the rumen acts as a storage or holding vat for feed.Īside from storage, the rumen is also a fermentation vat. It can hold 25 gallons or more of material depending on the size of the cow. The rumen (on the left side of the animal) is the largest stomach compartment and consists of several sacs.

Going bovine