Gastrointestinal Tract

Gastrointestinal Tract

1. Midgut

   • Small intestine
   • Pancreas & Biliary System

2. Headgut

   • Buccal cavity
   • Pharynx

3. Foregut

   • Esophagus
   • Stomach

4. Hindgut

   • Cecum
   • Large Intestine

5. Ruminants

   • One stomach divided into 4 compartments: Reticulum (5%), Rumen (80%), Omasum (7-8%), Absomasum (7-8%)
   • Varying capacity for fermentation of digesta by symbiotic microorganisms in the foregut
   • alloenzymatic action (mechanical & microbial) BEFORE autoenzymatic breakdown (chemical)

6. Nonruminants

   • Monogastrics: "simple stomach"/single compartment
   • Varying capacity for fermentation of digest by symbiotic microorganisms in hindgut (hindgut fermenters)
   • autoenzymatic breakdown (mechanical, chemical) BEFORE alloenzymatic breakdown (microbial action)