Question

Largest part of cow’s alimentary canal is
A) Rumen
B) Osmassun
C) Abomasum
D) Reticulum

Answer 1

The alimentary canal is a muscular hollow continuous tubular organ that starts at the mouth and terminates at the anus and is responsible for the digestion and absorption of the ingested food and liquids. It is a part of the digestive system.

Complete answer:
Ruminant stomachs are divided into four sections: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum, and the abomasum. The oesophageal grooves in calves enable milk to bypass the rumen and reach the abomasum directly. Rumen formation occurs as a result of dietary changes and microbial growth.

- The rumen (on the animal's left side) is the main stomach compartment and is made up of multiple sacs. Depending on the size of the cow, it can carry up to 25 gallons of material. Because of its size, the rumen functions as feed storage or holding vat.
- The reticulum is a pouch-like structure located near the heart in the front of the body. The reticulum's tissues form a honeycomb-like network. Heavy or bulky feed, as well as metal items consumed by the cow, fall into this compartment.
- The omasum is a globe-shaped structure that contains tissue leaves (like pages in a book). It takes in water and other items from the digestive tract.
- The abomasum is the only gland-lined compartment. These glands produce hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, which are needed for feed breakdown.

Therefore, the largest part of a cow's alimentary canal is Rumen. So, option (A) is the right answer.

Note: Rumen microbes ferment feed and produce volatile fatty acids, which are the cow's primary source of nutrition. B vitamins, vitamin K, and amino acids are also produced by rumen microbes.