Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Examples of Foregut Fermenters
Example of foregut fermenters:
- Ruminants — Correct Answer
- Pig
- Horse
- Dog
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Ruminants
Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo) are the quintessential foregut fermenters. Their enormous fermentation chamber (rumen + reticulum) sits before the true glandular stomach (abomasum), allowing microbes to ferment fibre, synthesise high-quality protein, and produce VFAs before enzymatic digestion begins.
Rumen — Key Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Normal ruminal pH | 6.5–6.8 |
| Temperature | 39°C |
| Gas ratio | CO₂:CH₄ = 65:35 |
| VFA ratio | Acetate:Propionate:Butyrate = 65:20:10 |
| VFAs provide | 70% of ruminant energy needs |
| Acetate | Milk fat synthesis |
| Propionate | Gluconeogenic → milk sugar synthesis |
| Butyrate | Converted to β-hydroxybutyrate by ruminal epithelial cells |
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
