Why do cows chew all day?

1. 1

   Lue says

   Cows eat grass, and grass is rough and tough. A cow swallows it into the first part of her tummy, called the rumen. Later she brings a soft lump back up into her mouth. That lump is called cud, and she chews it all over again. That's why a cow's mouth is nearly always munching.

   For ages 4–7
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   Checked against Rumens make cows special (USDA Agricultural Research Service)

2. 2

   Why does a cow chew the same food twice?

   A cow's rumen is full of tiny living things called bacteria. They help break down rough grass that we could never eat. So the cow swallows, lets the bacteria work, brings it up, and chews again. Round and round it goes, until the food is ready to move on.

   For ages 6–9
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   Checked against Rumens make cows special (USDA Agricultural Research Service)

3. 3

   Why does a cow chew for so long?

   A cow can spend almost eight hours a day chewing her cud. That's nearly 30,000 chews! All that chewing makes lots of spit. The spit has a natural helper in it that stops her rumen getting too sour. That helps her digest her food better.

   For ages 8–11
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   Checked against Why do cattle chew their cud? (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension)

In Lil' Phil, reaching the bottom of this wonder earns a sticker for Lue's collection.

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