Answer
A rumen is the largest compartment in a cow's stomach. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service:
" The rumen is the largest of four compartments and is divided into several sacs. It can hold 25 gallons or more of material, depending on the size of the cow. Because of its size, the rumen acts as a storage or holding vat for feed. It is also a fermentation vat. A microbial population in the rumen digests or ferments feed eaten by the animal. Conditions within the rumen favor the growth of microbes. The rumen absorbs most of the volatile fatty acids produced from fermentation of feedstuffs by rumen microbes. Absorption of volatile fatty acids and some other products of digestion is enhanced by a good blood supply to the walls of the rumen. Tiny projections called papillae increase the surface area and the absorption capacity of the rumen. "
First answer by Dlmick. Last edit by Dlmick. Contributor trust: 1396 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 25 [recommend question]
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