The abomasum, also known as the maw,[ The Chambers Dictionary, Ninth Edition, Chambers Harrap Publishers, 2003 ] rennet-bag,
The word abomasum ( ab- "away from" + omasum "intestine of an cattle") is from Neo-Latin and it was first used in English language in 1706. It is possibly from the Gaulish language.
Function
The abomasum's normal anatomical location is along the ventral midline. It is a
secretion stomach similar in
anatomy and function to the
monogastric stomach. It serves primarily in the
acid hydrolysis of
microbe and dietary
protein, preparing these protein sources for further
digestion and
Digestion in the
small intestine. The abomasum is lined with glands to release hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes needed to break down food. It is very similar to the nonruminant stomach.
Pathology
Dairy cattle on high production diets are susceptible to a number of pathologies, most commonly after calving. A gas-filled abomasum can move into an abnormal location and become displaced. If the abomasum displaces to the right, it is at risk of torsion. A displaced abomasum will cause cows to present all or some of the following signs: loss of appetite, decrease rumen contractions, decrease cud-chewing, and drop in milk production. While a displaced abomasum is not immediately life-threatening, veterinary care is required for surgical correction. Milder cases can be corrected by rolling the cow over or forcing her to run up a steep hill.
[ DN: Displaced Abomasum] Abomasitis is a relatively rare, but serious, disease of the abomasum whose causes are currently unknown.
As food
The abomasum is used to make the
lampredotto, a typical dish of
Florence. It is also fried and eaten with onions as part of the Korean dish
Makchang gui. Another dish made with the abomasum is the Persian
Tripe (borrowed in Turkey as
Şırdan). Chusta (literally abomasum) is a famous dish in Bihar, India. In Japan, it is grilled and served as
horumonyaki, this particular type of horumon is known as Akasen.
See also
-
Giving of the foreleg, cheeks and abomasum
-
Methanogens in digestive tract of ruminants
