Which of the following is a non-ruminant?

• A. Goat
• B. Cow
• C. Pig
• D. Sheep

Answer: (C)

Digestive system type differentiates ruminants from non-ruminants. Pigs have a monogastric, single-chamber stomach and do not regurgitate cud, relying on enzymatic digestion of a diet that’s typically higher in easily digestible carbohydrates. In contrast, goats, cows, and sheep are ruminants with a four-chamber stomach (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) and they chew cud, using microbial fermentation to break down fibrous plant material. Because of this fundamental difference, the non-ruminant among these options is the pig. This concept matters for feed planning, as ruminants efficiently utilize fibrous forages through fermentation, while non-ruminants require more energy-dense, easily digestible feeds.