Meaning of microbes in the digestion of animals

Meaning of microbes in the digestion of animals

microorganisms, also called microbes, are invisible, microscopic life forms and they are everywhere: in the air, in the water, in the ground and last but not least in ourselves and in other animals. They play an important role in various biological processes. In the special context of digestion, their meaning is immeasurable. This article aims to inform about the importance of microbes in the digestion of animals and to explain the complex interaction between these microbes, the digestive system of the animals and the entire ecosystem.

What are microbes and what do you do?

Microbes are a diverse group of organisms that include all types of bacteria, protozoa, mushrooms, algae and various other types of life forms. They are the oldest forms of life on earth and are responsible for numerous biological processes, including digestion. In fact, many animals are unable to effectively digest their food without the help of microbes.

microbes and digestion

The digestive process begins with animals eating food. This food contains a variety of nutrients, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates, all of which have to be broken down into smaller components in order to be absorbed by the body. Here the microbes come into play. They help with the breakdown of these nutrients so that they can be used efficiently by the body.

For example, many animals are unable to digest cellulose, an important part of the plant cell walls. Instead, they rely on microbes to take on this task. In the digestive tract, these microbes help with the breakdown of cellulose in glucose, a simple sugar shape that can be easily absorbed by the body. Without these microbes, many animals, especially herbivores, would have great difficulty digestion in the food.

Examples of the microbe digestion in different animals

The relationship between microbes and digestion is different in different animal species. Some animals have a stronger dependency on microbes in digestion than others, and the complexity of the microbial ecosystem in their intestine can vary greatly.

ruminant

Ruminaries such as cows, sheep and goats have a special digestive tract that enables them to live with a microbe community that helps them effectively digest plant material. Your stomach is divided into four main sections, the first of which serves as a fermentation vessel. The microbes living in it help with the breakdown of cellulose and other difficult to digest plant components.

birds

Microbes also play an important role in digestion in birds. Birds have a special digestive system that includes a special organ, the goiter, in which microbes settle and help to catch up with the food material. In addition, a significant part of the digestive activity takes place in the intestine, where microbes also play an important role.

rodents

In rodents such as mice, rats and rabbits, intestinal microbes also play an important role in digestion. They help with the breakdown of vegetable food and produce vitamins and other nutrients that are necessary for the animals. In some cases, these animals even practice coprophagia, that is, they eat their own feces to ensure that they absorb as many nutrients as possible from their food, since some nutrients can only be absorbed over the intestine when the nutrients can be absorbed.

The importance of microbes for animal health

Microbes also play a crucial role in the general health of animals. They not only contribute to digestion, but also for immune modulation, to protect against pathogens and energy high -energy.

immune modulation

The animals of animals are closely linked to its digestive system. In fact, the intestine of an animal contains about 70% of the body's entire immune cells. Dearm microbes are significantly involved in the development and modulation of the immune system. They help to strengthen the immune response against pathogens and prevent allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Defense against disease

Gearm microbes also help protect animals from pathogens. They compete with pathogens for nutrients and living space and can even produce bioactive connections that kill pathogens or inhibit their growth.

Energy Homöostasis

Dearm microbes are also important for the animal's energy high -rise homes. They help with the breakdown of nutrients and their conversion into energy. In addition, you can produce fatty acids with a short chain that serve as the energy source for the intestinal cells and contribute to the general health of the intestine.

conclusion

The importance of microbes in the digestion of animals cannot be assessed highly enough. They are crucial for the breakdown of food components that the animal itself cannot digest and contribute significantly to the health and well -being of the animal. In view of its important role, optimal animal health requires a balanced microbial ecosystem. Further research in this area could provide new insights into how we can optimally support the microbes of animals and thus improve their health and well-being.