What is cud?

Cud refers specifically to the material that has been chewed and ingested by ruminant animals, such as cows, which then returns to the mouth from the rumen to be chewed again. This process of rumination allows the animal to further break down plant material and aids in digestion. Cud is composed mainly of partially digested plant matter that these animals have regurgitated, allowing them to better extract nutrients when they chew it again.

While it’s important to note that cud consists of plant matter that has undergone some digestion, it is not merely non-digestible pieces, nor is it fully digested food or specific nutrients like fats and proteins. The focus on cud emphasizes the specialized digestive process of ruminants and their unique adaptation for extracting nutrition from fibrous plant materials. Understanding this concept is essential for grasping the dietary habits and digestive efficiency of beef cattle.