Introduction

• Refers to breaking down complex compounds into simple ones before they pass through the mucus membrane of the alimentary canal and then into the blood and lymph.
• Depending upon the structure of the digestive tract, the animal can be classified into two groups:

1. Non-ruminant: having a simple stomach. Eg: dogs, pigs, birds, etc.
2. Ruminant: having four compartmentalstomachsh i.e. rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Eg: Cow, Goat, Sheep, etc.

• Depending on the feed habit, domestic animals are grouped into

1. Carnivores: Dog, cat, tiger, etc.
2. Herbivores: Sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, etc.
3. Omnivores: Bear, Jackal, etc.