DIGESTION IN STOCK.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1924, Page 15

DIGESTION IN STOCK.

Most farmers know that a cow possesses four stomachs so-called, while pigs, horses and sheep have but one. The cow, as contrasted with the horse, has a large stomach capacity, and a small bowel tract, whereas the horse lias a small stomach and an extended bowel length. The work of digestion with cows is done almost entirely in the stomach; in the horse assimilation of the food takes place chiefly during its passage through the bowels. In conse--1 fluence, cows rarely suffer from diges--we-Roubles, while horses are often in

r ’.tin from colic and other bowel affections. The digestive system of bovines is complicated yet wonderfully adapted for the different classes of food—bulky, succulent and concentrated—with which it has to deal. First of all, there is the rumen or paunch. In this, which is known as the first stomach, which is 'never entirely empty, the food is mixed, and macerated. Alongside it is the reticulum or honeycomb, the contents of which are always fluid. Litlte is understood about the purpose of this, the second stomach, except that it is believed to be connected with the process of rumination or chewing of the cud. .Next comes the amosum or third stomach, commonly referred to as the manyplies on account of the muscular leaves which are arranged alternately and grind the food into very fine particles. Finally, there is the omasum, or fourth stomach, referred to as the true stomach, for in it only does real digestion or food absorption take place. Once the food, or the residues of it, have left the fourth stomach, it passes into the bowels to be eventually discharged. The stomach of the tow is thus an elaborate machinery for disintegrating various kinds of food. The stomach of a pig is simple in comparison. The pig possesses a small stomach, and having a long intestinal canal, with strong digestive functions, it requires to eat frequently. It is claimed that with frequent eating and active digestion, which proceeds rapidly while the animal rests and sleeps, the pig is able to put on more flesh and make more fat than any other animal during the usual fattening process. A thoroughly knowledge of the digestive system which the various kinds of farm stock possess makes the feeding of them more rational, and in many cases may prevent mistakes being made. Prevention is invariably better than cure, and while it is possible bv suitable treatment to cure an animal of digestive troubles, it is better to avoid them by feeding a suitable diet and in such a way that will allow the stomach to act freely and naturally.