animal science vocab

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller, usable nutrients.

Absorption

The movement of nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins used for growth and repair.

Bolus

A ball of chewed food ready to be swallowed.

Chyme

A semi-liquid mixture of partially digested food and digestive juices in the stomach.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up the breakdown of food.

Gastric juice

Acidic fluid in the stomach that helps digest food.

Microbes

Tiny living organisms (like bacteria) that help break down food, especially in ruminants.

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle movements that push food through the digestive tract.

Prehension

The act of taking food into the mouth.

Rumination

The process of regurgitating and re-chewing food (cud) in ruminant animals.

Villi

Small finger-like projections in the intestines that increase surface area for absorption.

Roughage

High-fiber feed (like hay or grass) that aids digestion.