In a cow's stomach, which compartment primarily absorbs water and other substances from digested contents?

The omasum is the compartment of a cow's stomach that plays a significant role in absorbing water and various other substances from the digested contents. This compartment is especially effective in reducing the volume of ingested feed and extracting necessary nutrients and water before the digesta proceeds to the abomasum, where enzymatic digestion occurs.

In the digestive process, the omasum has many folds that increase its surface area, allowing for efficient absorption. This function is critical because it helps the animal conserve water and maximize nutrient uptake, which is essential for the cow's overall health and productivity. The structure and role of the omasum make it uniquely suited for these absorption processes, demonstrating its importance in the ruminant digestive system.