Nutrition of the Animal Body 235 



in which the digestive processes may be carried out. 

 In the stomach of the horse, which is comparatively 

 small, two regions may be distinguished, of which only 

 the right or second part secretes digestive juices. 



327. Ruminating Animals. In cattle and all split- 

 hoof animals, the stomach has four more or less distinct 

 compartments. (Fig. 159 III and IV). When a sheep or 

 cow bites off a bit of grass, it is moistened with a small 

 amount of saliva and swallowed without chewing, pass- 

 ing into the stomach or paunch. The stomach is a mere 

 store-house. After a time the animal finds a quiet place, 

 regurgitates a ball of grass, called a cud, which is slowly 

 ground up between the molar teeth. This mass is again 

 swallowed and passes into the second stomach, and 

 then on to the fourth or true stomach where the gastric 

 digestion commences. Ruminating animals continue 

 the digestive processes for a longer period, chew their 

 food finer, and, in general, digest a larger per cent of the 

 protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber and fat, than non- 

 ruminants, like the horse. 



328. Nutrients in Feeds. The animal must secure 

 from the feeds consumed all the substances needed for 

 the support and growth of the animal body. The undi- 

 gested parts form the waste. The nutritive substances 

 actually secured from the feeds are classed as: 



1. Proteids (albumin, albuminoids, amides, etc.). 



2. Fats (oils, fats). 



3. Carbohydrates (sugar, starches, gums, celluloses). 



4. Mineral Matters (salts of the elements found 

 in plants). 



5. Water. 



329. Functions of the Nutrients. The two chief uses 

 of the nutrients in animal feeds are to supply: 



