Digestion in ruminants and non- ruminant herbivores

Carbohydrates formed by photosynthesis are turned into starch, cellulose and proteins:

In ruminant herbivores such as cows and goats: starch and cellulose are fermented in the rumen of ruminant by mutual microorganism to volatile fatty acids that are absorbed in small intestines. The little starch that enters the small intestine is poorly digested due to a relative deficiency in amylase.

Similarly, proteins are fermented in the rumen into amino acids and short chain peptide chains, and these are absorbed in the small intestines.

In non- ruminant herbivores such as horse and rabbit: digestions of starch and proteins are done in stomach and small intestines by enzymes while cellulose is digested by symbiotic bacteria in the cecum/hind gut. The products of digestion are absorbed in the small intestines.

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Dr. Bbosa Science