Difference between Ruminants and Non-ruminants
Ruminants:
- Possess a four-chambered stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum)
- Have a complex digestive system that allows them to ferment and digest plant materials (cellulose and hemicellulose)
- Can utilize low-quality roughages as a primary feed source
- Examples: cows, sheep, goats, camels
Non-ruminants:
- Have a single-chambered stomach
- Cannot ferment plant materials efficiently
- Rely on easily digestible feeds, such as grains and concentrates
- Examples: horses, pigs, poultry, rabbits
Types of Production in Agriculture
There are several types of agricultural production systems, each focusing on a specific product or industry:
- Crop production: Growing and harvesting plants for food, fiber, fuel, and other purposes
- Livestock production: Raising animals for meat, milk, eggs, or fiber
- Aquaculture: Cultivating aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed
- Horticulture: Growing and maintaining plants for ornamental, food, or medicinal purposes
- Apiculture: Keeping and managing bees for honey production
- Silviculture: Managing forests for timber, fiber, and other forest products
Aquifer Use in Agriculture
An aquifer is an underground layer of permeable rock, sand, or gravel that holds water. In agriculture, aquifers are used extensively for irrigation to supply crops with water when rainfall is insufficient:
- Groundwater pumping: Water is extracted from aquifers using wells or pumps.
- Aquifer recharge: Water is deliberately added to aquifers through irrigation canals or ponds to replenish depleted water supplies.
- Aquifer management: Sustainably managing aquifers involves controlling groundwater withdrawal rates to prevent depletion and maintain water quality.