What Is a Non-Ruminant Animal?

Horses and rabbits are non-ruminant herbivores whose digestive tracts have mono and polygastric capabilities. The stomach and small intestine process starch, proteins, vitamins and minerals, but the fibrous part of their feed passes through the small intestine to the hindgut where fermentation further breaks down the food. Herbivores, such as zebras and rhinoceroses, expel large amounts of undigested food. To obtain necessary nutrients, they must continually graze and eat huge quantities of food.