The abomasum is also referred to as the true stomach. It has a similar function to stomachs of other animals, like humans. It has a low pH – an acidic environment that kills the bacteria that pass from the rumen. The abomasum is where the digestion of microbial and dietary proteins begins.
Image: Abomasum with arrow showing the direction of food from the abomasum into the large intestine. © DairyNZ.