A Ruminant is a hoofed mammal that has a specialized digestive system, with several stomach chambers.


One of these, the rumen, contains huge numbers of microorganisms, which help to break down plant food. To speed up this process a ruminant usually regurgitates its food and rechews it, a process called "chewing the cud"


Ruminating animals include; cattle, goats, sheep, giraffe, bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, and antelope.


Associated Terms: Rumin, Ruminating, Ruminantia