Different species of animals have very different nutritional requirements and gastrointestinal tract (GIT)specializations, depending on their primary diets. For example, carnivorous animals have moderate-length intestines, fast gut passage rates, and high protein requirements, in accordance with the high-protein, easily digested prey they consume. Based on your knowledge of nutrition and digestion and on the example provided in this scenario, what do you conclude about ruminants, which eat low-protein, difficult-to-digest plant leaves?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ruminants have specialized digestive systems that allow them to break down cellulose in plant leaves, which are difficult to digest. They have longer GITs and slower gut passage rates to maximize nutrient absorption from their plant-based diet. While they do require some amount of protein in their diet, the amount needed is much less than that of carnivores. Therefore, ruminants have reduced protein requirements, long GITs, and slow gut passage rates.

Different Species of Animals Have Very Different Nutritional Requirements and Gastrointestinal