Tuesday 17 May 2011

ABC Wednesday - Ruminants

Ruminants roaming in a rural environment. There are 150 species of ruminants in the world but I'm showing the domesticated variety as we don't have many camels, bison and giraffes here. It also gives me an excuse to post cute lamb photographs.
These in the  pastures
and these on the low fells. Surrounded by the plant based food they like, ok grass, 
which is eaten and then initially softened within the animals first stomach which is then regurgitated, as semi-digested mass (cud), and chewed again.  No worries on the effect on the teeth of all that chewing for they continue growing throughout their life.  No wonder cows always seem to be dribbling for an adult one produces 100-150 litres of saliva a day.
 I don't think this little chap is up to that amount of saliva at the moment as he keeps a wary eye on me.
Always a good sign when every cow in a field is lying down it means there is continuing warm weather.  This one is modelling her ear tag (there is a tag on each ear). The one showing is the yellow primary ear tag. This shows her unique number, which will be listed on her passport with all her details. When moved this passport will go with her.
  I'll leave you to ruminate on that information.

Roam over to ABC Wednesday where there are lots more words starting with R

15 comments:

Krista said...

Hmmm, thats why I don't see the cows lying down around here. Those are some interesting cows, that is for sure.

Roger Owen Green said...

Good word! Interesting info.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Jane and Chris said...

The last picture is so bloomin cute!!
Jane x

Amanda said...

Cute little lambs!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What no giraffes, camels and bison ;>). No problem -- any time you want to post pictures of those cute lambs -- and even their parents -- it is great with me. These are really nice pictures.

photowannabe said...

Great shots of the sheep and the shaggy cattle. I don't think the cows are lying down here at all. We've had hail, rain, thunder and just plain cold. Spring is hibernating!

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Fabulous! You have me chuckling and in awe a the same time. I never stopped to think about how much info those tags have.
I'm glad you 'needed' an excuse to post cute pictures of lambs for or sake! Made my day...

Wanda said...

Wonderful, wonderful pictures... I want that fur coat in the first picture... Looks so warm.

Sylvia K said...

A great word for the day and I love all the pictures of the sheep and cows! How beautiful they are! And the lambs are adorable! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!

Sylvia
ABC Team

J.Rylie.C said...

I love being part of ABC, it enRiches my vocabulaRy. You choice of R is teRRific!

Would you mind to visit my R post, please?

Hildred said...

Great pictures of happy ruminants, - I have always thought it must be very relaxing to stand around chewing ones cud!!!

VioletSky said...

the wee lambs are adorable. and mama looks very fetching in her wooly coat!
I had no idea cows had passports!!

jane said...

Wow they all look very contented to have their picture taken - or are they keeping an eye on you ? Lovely pictures

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

Riveting! Really. Thanks

Shammickite said...

I always thought that if cows were lying down in the field, that it means that it's going to rain.