Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Species Lacking a Gall Bladder
In which of the following species is the gall bladder absent?
- All the above — Correct Answer
- Horse only
- Camel only
- Llama only
Explanation:
Correct Answer: All the above
The gall bladder is absent in horse and all pseudo-ruminants (camel, llama, alpaca, vicuna). These species secrete bile continuously and directly into the duodenum via the bile duct without needing to store it.
Gall Bladder Presence/Absence Across Species
| Species | Gall Bladder |
|---|---|
| Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Buffalo, Deer (ruminants) | Present |
| Dog, Cat, Pig, Rabbit | Present |
| Chicken, Fowl | Present |
| Horse, Mule, Donkey, Zebra | Absent |
| Camel, Llama, Alpaca, Vicuna (pseudo-ruminants) | Absent |
Why Gall Bladder is Absent in Horse
Horses are continuous grazers with a near-constant flow of digesta through their GIT. Bile is therefore secreted continuously rather than in episodic bursts (as in carnivores/omnivores who eat large meals), so there is no need for a storage organ.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
