Translations:Benutzer:Arian/Klett-Mini-Test/551/en

The function of the dentition makes the pig an omnivore — an eater of flesh and plants alike. It bites and chews as the human being does. This double function shows itself in the digestive tract as well. The single-chambered stomach is relatively small; the pig must therefore take in its food continuously in small portions. In the long passage through the small intestine — with the enzymatic breakdown of the readily digestible food components and their resorption — microbial digestion of the cellulose-rich food residues takes place in the caecum and colon. The pig digests thoroughly; unlike the ruminants, it extracts forces from its food that it consumes for itself as a sense-active and simultaneously metabolically active being. This diminishes the fertilising force of its excretions — not their mineral content. The form, colour, consistency, and odour of the dung depend on the kind of feed. When the balance between glandular and microbial digestion is not maintained — as occurs with high-performance feeding and lifelong stall-keeping on slatted floors — pig slurry arises, in which