Texas FFA Livestock Judging Practice Test

Sheep and cattle are classified as ruminant animals because they possess a specialized digestive system with multiple compartments in their stomachs, specifically four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. This adaptation allows them to efficiently break down fibrous plant material, such as grasses and hay, which is crucial since they primarily consume a herbivorous diet.

During the ruminating process, these animals can chew their cud, regurgitating partially digested food, which allows for further breakdown and fermentation by microbes present in their stomachs. This efficient digestion process is essential for extracting the maximum amount of nutrients from their plant-based diets, supporting their growth, health, and overall productivity.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the digestive classification of sheep and cattle. Monogastric refers to animals with a single-chambered stomach, while herbivorous and carnivorous terms describe dietary preferences rather than the type of stomach structure.