Abomasum

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The ruminant digestive system Abomasum (PSF).png
The ruminant digestive system

The abomasum, also known as the maw, [1] rennet-bag, [1] or reed tripe, [1] is the fourth and final stomach compartment in ruminants. It secretes rennet, which is used in cheese creation.

Contents

The word abomasum (ab- "away from" + omasum "intestine of an ox") is from Neo-Latin and it was first used in English in 1706. It is possibly from the Gaulish language.

Function

The abomasum's normal anatomical location is along the ventral midline. It is a secretory stomach similar in anatomy and function to the monogastric stomach. It serves primarily in the acid hydrolysis of microbial and dietary protein, preparing these protein sources for further digestion and absorption in the small intestine. The abomasum is lined with glands to release hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes needed to break down food. It is very similar to the nonruminant stomach.

Pathology

Dairy cattle on high production diets are susceptible to a number of pathologies, most commonly after calving. A gas-filled abomasum can move into an abnormal location and become displaced. If the abomasum displaces to the right, it is at risk of torsion. A displaced abomasum will cause cows to present all or some of the following signs: loss of appetite, decrease rumen contractions, decrease cud-chewing, and drop in milk production. While a displaced abomasum is not immediately life-threatening, veterinary care is required for surgical correction. Milder cases can be corrected by rolling the cow over or forcing her to run up a steep hill. [2] Abomasitis is a relatively rare, but serious, disease of the abomasum whose causes are currently unknown.

As food

The abomasum is used to make the lampredotto , a typical dish of Florence. It is also fried and eaten with onions as part of the Korean dish Makchang gui . Another dish made with the abomasum is the Persian Sirabi-Shirdan (borrowed in Turkey as Şırdan).Chusta ( literally abomasum), famous dish in Bihar, India.

See also

Related Research Articles

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Displaced abomasum in cattle occurs when the abomasum, also known as the true stomach, which typically resides on the floor of the abdomen, fills with gas and rises to the top of the abdomen, where it is said to be ‘displaced’. When the abomasum moves from its normal position it prevents the natural passage of gas and feed through the digestive system, creating a restriction. As cattle are ruminants, which have a 4 chambered stomach composed of a rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. Ruminants require this specialized digestive system in order to properly process and break down their high fiber and cellulose rich diets. As this type of digestive system is quite complex it is at a greater risk for incidence. Due to the natural anatomy of cattle it is more common to have the abomasum displace to the left, known as a left-displaced abomasum, than to the right, right-displaced abomasum. When the abomasum becomes displaced there also becomes a chance of an abomasal volvulus, twist, developing. An abomasal volvulus occurs when the abomasum, which is already out of place, will rotate and cut off blood and nutrient supply to the abomasum. Cattle which develop an abomasal twist require immediate vet attention to regain blood supply and food passage through the digestive system or the abomasum will begin to shut down due to lack of blood supply and toxicity development.

References