Wiederkäuer

Wiederkäuer is the German term for ruminants, a suborder of even-toed ungulate mammals. These animals are characterized by their unique digestive system, which allows them to ferment ingested plant material, primarily cellulose, in specialized compartments of their stomach. This process, known as rumination or chewing the cud, involves regurgitating partially digested food and re-chewing it.

The most prominent feature of the ruminant digestive system is the four-chambered stomach, consisting of the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen, the largest compartment, acts as a fermentation vat where symbiotic microorganisms break down tough plant fibers. The reticulum, often called the "honeycomb," helps trap foreign objects and forms the cud. The omasum, with its many folds, absorbs water and volatile fatty acids. Finally, the abomasum functions as the "true stomach," secreting digestive enzymes.

Common examples of Wiederkäuer include cattle, sheep, goats, deer, giraffes, and antelopes. Their ability to efficiently digest fibrous plant matter enables them to thrive on diets that would be indigestible to many other herbivores. This adaptation has played a significant role in their ecological success and their importance to human agriculture.