It might sound shocking at first, but the practice often called “cow portholes” is actually a long-established scientific method known as cannulation. A cow with this feature is called a cannulated cow, meaning a surgically placed device (cannula) gives access to its rumen, one of its stomach compartments. The opening is sealed and carefully maintained, allowing experts to observe digestion directly. The main purpose of this method is to better understand how cows process food. By accessing the rumen, scientists can study microbes, monitor digestion in real time, and test different diets. This helps improve feed efficiency, animal health, and...
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