Cow & Pig Digestive System

Question 1

What kind of digestive system does a pig have?

Answer 1

Non-Ruminant = 1 stomach (containing cardiac sphincter, cardia, fundus & pyloric sphincter)

Question 2

What kind of digestive system does a cow have?

Answer 2

Ruminant = 4 stomachs (in order: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum, Abomasum)

Question 3

Describe the pigs mouth.

Answer 3

Hard stiff lips
Tongue is covered in MMs
Saliva produced
Teeth (incisors, canines, premolars & molars)

Question 4

Describe the cows mouth.

Answer 4

Hard stiff lips
Tongue covered in MMs & used as prehensile organ.
Saliva produced
No upper incisors - hard pad instead, no canines

Question 5

What are the 3 parts of the small intestine in the cow and pig?

Answer 5

Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum

Question 6

Describe the large intestine in the pig.

Answer 6

Caecum, Ascending, Transverse & Descending

Question 7

Describe the large intestine in the cow.

Answer 7

Caecum allows for further microbial digestion

Ascending colon forms 3 loops, then on to transverse colon and then descending colon

Question 8

What are the differences between the pig rectum and cow rectum?

Answer 8

Nothing.