Digestion in ruminants stomach Features of digestion in ruminants Gastro intestinal tract has colonies of microbes. As the animal grows the type of microbes gets modified according to the type of diet. Host animal and its populations of gut microbes interact. There is a complex interaction between the host animal and microbial population. Host animal […]

Functions of the saliva Saliva has lubricating function that facilitates the mastication and swallowing of ingested food. The mucin content provides an adhesive to food to form bolus for swallowing. Water soluble components of food get dissolved in saliva which gain access to the taste buds to distinguish different tastes which in turn produces large

Nerve supply of salivary glands Nerve Innervation in salivary glands In addition to neural or hormonal stimuli the secretory cells of the salivary glands secrete saliva spontaneously. Neural stimulation produce more secretion in most species. The salivary glands receive both efferent innervations  of sympathetic and para sympathetic nervous system which mainly act synergistically on the salivary glands. Sympathetic

Salivary gland and its secretion Salivon is the functional salivary unit. It begins most proximally as several Acini which converge into a intercalated duct. Numerous intercalated ducts unite to form a striated duct. A group of these ducts directly drain their content into glandular tubule which pour their content into fewer excretory ducts. Finally, the

Digestive parts of gut Esophagus Oesophagus is a muscular tube like structure extends from the pharynx to the stomach. In dog, cattle and sheep, the muscular layer is striated throughout the length of the oesophagus, whereas in pigs and horse, it begins as striated but becomes smooth muscles at caudal oesophagus. The pharyngeo–oesophageal junction is normally closed by oesophageal sphincter. Vagus

Deglutition (Swallowing) in animals Deglutition (Swallowing) in animals is the act of passage of food from the mouth to the stomach through pharynx and esophagus. It starts, as a voluntary act then becomes an involuntary reflex during its execution. The afferent nerves originate from receptors located in the posterior part of the mouth and pharynx.

Mastication in animals Extensive chewing of the feed causes mechanical reduction in the size of the food, this is known as mastication in animals. The finely divided food particles provide greater surface area for enzymatic action and proper mixing with saliva for easy swallowing. This act is achieved by deduction and occlusion of both the

Basic Physiology of Digestion of animals Digestion is the process of breakdown of complex food into simpler form by the activities of the alimentary tract and glandular secretions for absorption of nutrients and the rejection of their residues. Food Food is a complex mixture of substances like carbohydrates proteins, fats, vitamins, inorganic salts and water to meet the nutritive requirements