WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2025

Cellulose is themost abundant carbohydrate on earth and can’t be used by any mammal as they cannot produce the enzyme cellulase that can break down cellulose and lignin into simple sugars. Ruminants are specially designed to utilise cellulose; ruminants live in a symbiotic relationship with the rumenmicrobes. The rumenmicrobes can ferment and break down these structural carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids (VFA) that can be utilised by the animal. This process, however, takes time, so it needs more space than a glandular stomach. The rumen takes up to 80% of the abdominal cavity and contributes to approximately 20% of the animal’s live weight. This makes the rumen themost important organ in the body. Optimising rumen development: key factors for healthy digestive growth George Schoonbee - Junior Product Manager: Extensive Ruminants Rumen development is essential for optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health in ruminants. A well-developed rumen supports microbial fermentation, breaking down complex carbohydrates into VFA’s, the primary energy source for ruminants. Efficient VFA absorption, facilitated by well- developed rumen papillae, improves feed efficiency and reduces the risk of metabolic disorders such as acidosis. Additionally, a strong rumen epithelium acts as a barrier against pathogens, reducing the risk of infections and inflammation. Ultimately, better rumen development leads to improved performance in animals and better profitability. The anatomy and function of the gastrointestinal tract A ruminant’s stomach is a specialised, multi-chambered organ designed to efficiently digest fibrous plant material. Unlike monogastric animals, ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats have four distinct stomach g is the pr ctice of providing supplemental feed to nursing lambs. This is usually do hich is large enough for the lambs to enter the feeding area but too small to allow ew e can only supply 50% of t nutrients a four- to six-week-old lamb needs to maximi the decreasing milk production of the ewe after she has reached peak milk product nding on avail bility and quality, forage may not be abl to supply the other 50% o ds. Due to the extremely efficient feed conversion of the young animals, creep fe very economical. In intensive breeding systems and for ewes with multiple lambs, is even mor im ortant as he pressure on the ewe escalates. ne of the tools that can simplify the processes surrounding female animals on the farm. Firstly, it r on the ewe because the lamb is less dependent on milk and does not want to suckle all the time ts dry matter, which fills the rumen and supplements any nutritional deficiencies. Ewes recover y lose less body m s . Their bili y to reconceive is also better. This improves lambing percentages act, monogast ic until its rumen has developed to the extent where it can digest roughage. Cree n development, and volatile fatty acid production takes place in the large intestine (rumen), whic nt of the papillae. This is beneficial for the lamb because it increases the surface area for absor r-developed r n increases the animal’s resistance against weaning shock and ensures better men develops earlier, the lamb can be wean d sooner, and it also benefits the lamb when it goes to ement herd as it adapts faster and performs better. of creep feeding: d average daily gain leads to higher we ning weights. eaning weights allow earlier weaning of lambs if needed. eaning age results in higher stocking rates (more animals per . weaning stress Maximizing Growth and Efficiency: e Benefits of Creep Feeding for Lambs Schoonbee - Junior Product Manager: Extensive Ruminants compartment : the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen is the largest organ in the gastrointestinal tract, taking up ±80% of the abdominal cavity and contributing to approximately 20% of the animal’s live w ight. Serves s the primary fermentation fat, where microbes break down complex plant fibres into volatile fatty acids and gasses. The surface structures of the four stomach compartments in ruminants are uniquely adapted to their specific functions in digestion. The reticulum aids in the further breakdown of food and acts as a sorting area, while the omasum absorbs water and nutrients. Finally, the abomasum functions similarly to a monogastric stomach, where enzymatic digestion of proteins takes place. This complex system allows ruminants to efficiently extract nutrients from tough plant material, supporting their unique diet. www.agribonus.co.za Winter 2025 BONUS 41