Functions of the Omasum in the Stomach of the Sheep

Abstract

1. Starch/lignin ratios and nitrogen/;lignin ratios in the various compartments of the stomachs of slaughtered sheep indicate that only very small amounts of reticular contents may pass directly to the abomasum via the omasal groove, and that little if any liquid is squeezed away mechanically from the solids in the omasum. 2. The amount of water calculated to be absorbed from digests entering the omasum ranged from 33 to 64% and the amount of fatty acid from 40 to 69% in seven sheep slaughtered for these estimations.