Question

i. What are the three layers that can be observed in the rumen?

1. Ruminal fluid at the bottom and middle part and foam at the top

2. Gasses would be present in all sections of the rumen with ruminal fluid at the bottom

3. Gasses on top, foam in the middle, and ruminal fluid at the bottom

4. None of the above

ii. What is the importance of the cecotrope in lagomorphs?

1. Product of urine and digestive tract

2. Allow consumption of important nutrients product of cecal fermentation

3. Excrete waste products from the large intestine

Answer 1

(i) (c) Gasses on top, foam in the middle, and ruminal fluid at the bottom

The three phases of nutrients found in the rumen are

• Gas phase- It constitutes the top layer and contains the gases formed due to fermentation and breakdown of cellulose and other nutrients..
• Fiber mat- It comprises of roughage of fibers which floats on top of the liquid layern and constitutes the middle layer.
• Liquid phase- It comprises of heavy undigested grass at the bottom layer.

(ii) (b) Allow consumption of important nutrients product of cecal fermentation

Cecotropes are caecal pellets which are produced in caecum of rabbits. These pellets contain simple sugars and some vitamins which are beneficial for rabbits when ingested by them.