Answer:
Ruminant nutrition involves ingestion of roughages, rumination, microbial fermentation in the rumen, absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and nutrient metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roughages (grasses, hay, etc.) that are difficult for non-ruminants to digest are consumed in large amounts by ruminants.
Rumination: To expand the surface area for microbial fermentation and additional digestion, food is regurgitated and rechewed in the rumen.
Fermentation: Microbes in the rumen convert complex substances like volatile fatty acids, ammonia, and microbial protein into simpler ones like carbs, proteins, and lipids.
The rumen and reticulum receive the byproducts of fermentation, which are then further digested in the omasum and abomasum.
Through the process of metabolism, nutrients are brought to the liver where they are used for cellular energy, development, and maintenance.