Final answer:
Amino acids absorbed in the intestinal mucosa of ruminants are transported to the liver by the bloodstream, where they are processed and used for the synthesis of proteins for body functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ruminants, amino acids are absorbed from the intestinal mucosa and transported to the liver by the bloodstream. The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolism and processing of the amino acids absorbed from the digestive system.
Ruminants have a digestive system that enables them to efficiently extract nutrients from plant-based diets. The process begins when food is ingested and fermented in the rumen with the help of microbes. This fermentation breaks down cellulose, a key component of plant material. Once the food passes through the various stomach chambers, including the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum, the digested nutrients, including amino acids, are absorbed in the small intestine.
These amino acids are crucial for the synthesis of proteins, which are necessary for numerous bodily functions. The absorbed amino acids then enter the bloodstream, which carries them to the liver for further processing and distribution throughout the body. This essential process ensures that the ruminant has the necessary building blocks for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.