How Cows Keep Their Teeth Healthy With the ‘Washing Machine Effect’

Cows and other ruminants have evolved a novel method of food digestion in which they swallow the partially digested plant matter after giving it a harsh chew, then regurgitate it repeatedly while continuing to chew.

A study team led by the University of Göttingen has demonstrated that this has evident benefits since the food that is regurgitated is considerably softer and has less grit, sand, and dust than the food that was initially consumed.

Cows' teeth get abrasions

(Photo : ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP via Getty Images)

By doing this, the teeth are also shielded from being worn down by chewing. This might explain why ruminant teeth have less prominent crowns compared to those of other herbivores, as per Phys.org.

In addition to collecting samples of the regurgitated meal pulp and excrement, the researchers gave four cows grass feed flavored with sand for many days. 

They then calculated the amount of silicate in each sample. Because of their abrasive nature, the substances found in sand and grass are extremely damaging to teeth. 

The amount of silicates in the regurgitated food was substantially lower than that in the feces, which were almost equal in amount to the grass feed combined with sand.

The silicates must have remained in the stomach, or more specifically, in the rumen, as this is the only reason.

The teeth of ruminants are less worn compared to that of other animals, such horses, since some of this rigorous chewing is done on food pulp that has already been cleaned in the rumen. 

The latter chew the food thoroughly after swallowing it, even the sharp pieces. Because ruminants' teeth have very small crowns, observation makes sense. 

The teeth continue to operate longer because of the digestive process. There hasn't been any evolutionary push to produce additional tooth material, which explains why ruminant teeth have a characteristic shape.

Also read: Cow Poop as Fuel Source? Village in Thailand Harnesses Unconventional Energy Source

Dental health is great for digestion 

The way an animal eats is one of the most crucial variables affecting its production and overall health, as per Farm Progress.

Additionally, a cow with dental problems won't be able to feed well, just like a person would.

Each animal may maintain its ideal weight and performance with good oral health. 

Even though owners of livestock don't pay dentists to check up on their cows, sheep, goats, or hogs every year, dental care can be incorporated into the regular care of any animal. 

Although owners of livestock don't engage dentists to give cows, sheep, goats, or hogs a yearly examination, dental care may be incorporated into the health routine for any animal. 

Keeping animals in good physical health requires keeping an eye out for symptoms of dental problems. 

It will be necessary to remove the cow, sheep, or goat from the herd if they are unable to consume, since this will reduce profitability. 

The best thing to do in the absence of a magic toothbrush to treat cattle dental problems is to keep a close eye on things.

Cow's clean teeth tracks early herbivores

Teeth are highly preserved as fossils and frequently offer the most significant hints in recreating early herbivores and their habitat, which is intriguing for paleontology in addition to helping us understand the physiology of digesting.

Related Article: Cows and Methane Emissions: How Do These Hoofed Animals Contribute to Climate Crisis?