Comparative anatomy of the digestive tract in cattle sheep and goats : a review

This study attempts to review and compare the available information on the digestive tract anatomy of sheep, goats, and cattle. Coordinated motor activities of the forestomach related to the rate of passage of digesta are also examined. Although genuine differences exist, data used to describe the anatomy of the digestive tract of domestic ruminants are mainly derived from cattle, and to a lesser extent, from sheep; goats have received the least study. In addition, the complex compound stomach of domestic ruminants has long been a source of curiosity, and consequently, less information concerning the other parts of the digestive tract is available. Appended are 20 tables and an 11-page bibliography (1886-1982) of English, Italian, German, French, and Brazilian sources. (Author abstract, modified)