återutfodring

Återutfodring, also known as regurgitation or rumination, is a behavior observed in some animals, including birds and mammals, where food is brought back up from the stomach and then re-swallowed or re-chewed. This process is particularly common in birds, especially pigeons and doves, as a means of feeding their young. In these species, adults produce a nutrient-rich substance called "crop milk" in their crop, a part of their digestive system, which they then regurgitate to feed their chicks.

In mammals, ruminants such as cows, sheep, and deer practice a form of återutfodring known as rumination. These animals have a specialized stomach with four compartments, one of which is the rumen. They initially swallow their food whole, which then enters the rumen where it is partially digested. Later, the animal regurgitates this semi-digested food, known as cud, and chews it thoroughly before swallowing it again for further digestion.

In humans, återutfodring can occur as a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or as a behavior associated with eating disorders like bulimia nervosa. In these cases, it is not a normal or healthy process and may require medical intervention.

The term "återutfodring" is Swedish and translates to "re-feeding" in English. It is a natural and essential behavior for many species, enabling them to efficiently digest food and nourish their offspring. However, in humans, it typically indicates an underlying health issue.