sheep digestive system
In order to make use of the nutrients stored in feedstuffs, all animals must first break down (digest) feed into a form that can be absorbed by the body. Sheep belong to a group of herbivores called ruminants. Ruminants are able to digest a large portion of the nutrients contained in fibrous plant material due to their unique digestive system, which integrates a large microbial population with the animal’s own system. Although this system is remarkably efficient, proper feeding management is needed to maintain healthy and productive animals. Mismanagement of a ruminant’s diet can be disastrous. The digestive tract is composed of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus.Various other structures and organs, such as the salivary glands and liver, also aid in digestion.
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