NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

What do non-ruminant herbivores primarily rely on for digestion?

1. Microorganisms in the stomach

2. Fermentation in the colon

3. Enzymes in the small intestine

4. Fermented fiber in the rumen

The correct answer is: Enzymes in the small intestine

Non-ruminant herbivores primarily rely on enzymes in the small intestine for digestion. This is due to their digestive system's structure and function. Unlike ruminants, such as cows, which have a specialized stomach for fermenting food, non-ruminant herbivores do not possess a rumen. Instead, they have a more straightforward digestive tract where the small intestine plays a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats with the aid of digestive enzymes. After the initial stages of digestion, where food is mechanically processed, these enzymes help to further break down plant materials into absorbable nutrients. This enzymatic digestion is essential for non-ruminant herbivores to efficiently utilize the nutrients from their plant-based diets, as they cannot rely on fermentation processes as extensively as ruminants can. In essence, the small intestine is pivotal for nutrient absorption in these animals, making enzymes the primary means of digestion for non-ruminant herbivores.