Small Animal DigestionSmall Animal Management

Today we willDefine digestionList and describe the parts and

functions of digestive organsDemonstrate the pathway food

takes in the digestive tract.

What is digestion?

The process of breaking down food material into various nutrient forms to be absorbed into the animal’s body.

Three Types of Digestive Systems

1. Ruminant2. Hindgut Fermenter3. Nonruminant (Monogastric)

RuminantAn animal with 4 distinct

compartments in its stomach◦Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum,

AbomasumSwallows its food essentially without

chewing◦Regurgitates it, chews it thoroughly &

re-swallows it.

Hindgut FermentersSimple stomach animals with

massive large intestines, colon, and cecum

Uses fermentation to break down foods like ruminants, but digestion occurs in the “hind gut”…large intestines.

Nonruminant (Monogastric)Simple stomachsFood passes from the mouth to the

stomach through the esophagus◦Digested in a single stomach compartment with the help of digestive juices

Major Parts of the Monogastric Digestive System

Mouth- teeth and tongueEsophagusStomachSmall intestineLarge intestineRectum

Mouth (tongue and teeth)Esophagus

Stomach

Small Intestine

Large Intestine

Anus

Feline

Label the Parts

1

2

3

4

5

6

Digestion Simulation LAB!!

Now YOU can:Define digestionList and describe the parts and

functions of digestive organsDemonstrate the pathway food

takes in the digestive tract.

Bill Nye: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au6dYlEVGCg