ruminant

What is "ruminant"?

Ruminant refers to a type of mammal that is characterized by its four-chambered stomach and its ability to regurgitate and re-chew partially digested food, also known as "cud". Ruminants include animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, and giraffes. These animals have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from tough, fibrous plant material that would be otherwise difficult to digest. They also have a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in their stomachs that help to break down and ferment their food. Ruminants are important in agriculture as a source of meat, dairy products, and other by-products, and they play a significant role in many ecosystems as grazers and browsers.