Core biological terms about ruminant animals. Aka cows, sheep, oxen… — Reading Marks — TG.ME

1. Ruminant
An animal that has a stomach with four compartments (instead of one) and that regurgitates its food (called "cud") to chew it again. This helps them digest tough plants like grass.
Example: Cows, sheep, and deer are all ruminants.

2. Ruminate
The process of chewing the cud. Informally, it also means to think deeply about something.
Example: The goat was quietly ruminating under the tree.

3. Cud
The ball of partially digested food that a ruminant brings back up from its stomach to its mouth to chew a second time.
Example: The cow sat contentedly, chewing its cud.

4. Digestive System
The group of organs (like the stomach and intestines) that work together to break down food for energy.
Example: The digestive system of a ruminant is highly specialized for processing cellulose.

5. Grazing
The act of an animal feeding on growing grass or other low plants.
Example: The farmer's sheep spend most of their day grazing in the field.

6. Forage
(as a verb) To search widely for food. (as a noun) Plant material (like grass or leaves) that animals eat.
Example (verb): Deer will forage for food in the forest.
Example (noun): In winter, when there is no grass, farmers provide hay as forage.

7. Bovine
Relating to cattle (cows, oxen, buffalo). It is often used to describe something with cow-like qualities, such as being slow or calm.
Example: She looked at me with a calm, bovine expression.