Structure of the digestive system

Gastrointestinal development in dairy calves

General Anatomy of the Ruminant Digestive System

How does a cow's digestive system work?

General Anatomy of the Ruminant Digestive System

J. E. Umphrey and C. R. Staples

The dairy cow is a magnificent producer of food. In approximately 10 months, a good cow can produce 496 pounds of protein, 784 pounds of energy in the form of the sugar lactose, 560 pounds of fat, and 112 pounds of minerals all in 16,000 pounds of milk. This is enough protein to supply the needs of a man for nearly 10 years, enough energy for 5 years, and enough calcium for 30 years.

The supply of high quality feedstuffs to the cow's highly complex digestive system helps accomplish this wonderful feat. An understanding of this digestive system is a must for making intelligent feeding decisions.