Trocar Cows

The rumen in cows is the largest of their four stomach compartments and serves as a fermentation vat where a diverse community of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and archaea breaks down complex plant materials like cellulose.

The rumen’s anaerobic environment supports microbial fermentation, producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which are absorbed through the rumen wall and supply up to 70% of the cow’s energy needs.

Additionally, microbial activity generates methane gas as a byproduct, expelled through belching.

The rumen’s papillae-lined interior maximizes surface area for nutrient absorption, making it essential for efficient digestion of fibrous plant material.