Digestive system

The digestive system (digestive tract) in domestic animals refers to the continuous tubular system responsible for the ingestion, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and expulsion of waste. It typically includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach (or forestomachs in ruminants), small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Its structure and complexity vary across species, reflecting different dietary adaptations—monogastric in carnivores and omnivores (e.g., dogs, pigs) versus polygastric (ruminant) systems in herbivores (e.g., cattle, sheep).