Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Order of Layers in Stratified Ruminal Content
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Question (English)
Order of layers from top to bottom in a stratified ruminal content-
- Gas cap, raft, rumen liquor ✓ Correct
- Raft, rumen liquor, gas cap
- Gas cap, rumen liquor, raft
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Gas cap, raft, rumen liquor
In stratified rumen (cattle, buffalo, sheep) — layers from top to bottom: Gas cap → Raft → Rumen liquor
Each Layer Explained
- Gas cap (Top): CO₂ and CH₄ gas accumulate at the top near the cardia. Normal gas composition: CO₂:CH₄ = 65:35. Released continuously by eructation through the open cardia. Daily gas production: 200–400 litres in cattle.
- Raft (Middle): Coarser, longer forage particles (fibrous mat) float on the liquid phase. Less dense due to trapped gas bubbles within fibers. Physically stimulates rumination.
- Rumen liquor (Bottom): Liquid phase with finer, denser particles that have settled. Contains microorganisms, dissolved VFAs, water. This is the active fermentation zone.
Bloat Types in Relation to Layers
- Free gas bloat: Gas cap present but eructation blocked mechanically (esophageal obstruction, recumbency) → gas cap enlarges → distension
- Frothy bloat: Gas trapped as fine bubbles in foam → no gas cap forms → cardia contacts foam not gas → eructation impossible even with open cardia
📚 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.
