Which of the following is an example of a non-ruminant?

A non-ruminant is an animal that does not have a complex stomach structure with multiple compartments, which is characteristic of ruminants. These animals typically have a simpler digestive system that is more efficient for processing certain types of feeds, particularly those that are high in starch or other carbohydrates.

Pigs are classified as non-ruminants because they have a single-chambered stomach similar to humans. This enables them to digest food through enzymatic action rather than fermentation in multiple stomach compartments, which is what ruminants do. Non-ruminants like pigs rely on their intestines to break down and absorb nutrients effectively, making them well-suited for a diet that includes grains and fruits.

In contrast, animals such as goats, cows, and sheep are ruminants, possessing a multi-chambered stomach that allows them to break down fibrous plant materials more efficiently through processes involving fermentation. This structural difference in gastrointestinal physiology is fundamental to how these animals adapt to their diets in the wild and in agricultural settings.