Functions of the Ruminant Stomach

1. Rumen: Functions as a storage area for food; aids in the breakdown of coarse particles through bacterial action.
2. Reticulum (honeycomb): Honeycomb-like walls retain foreign materials that could injure the digestive system; sorts feed particles by detecting large particles that need to be further digested; regurgitates food particles back to the mouth to be re-chewed.
3. Omasum: Acts as a filter by removing water from feed through muscle contractions; many folds or layers of muscle squeeze the moisture away from the feed particles, while also continuing to break down particle size.
4. Abomasum (true stomach): Acids and enzymes further digest feed and get them ready to travel to the small and large intestines.