Biology
The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Digestive Efficiency of Herbivorous Mammals
Quick fact
The gut microbiota of a cow can produce up to 70% of the cow's daily energy through the fermentation of plant fiber, turning indigestible cellulose into volatile fatty acids.
Why this is interesting
You’ve heard that cows can eat grass, but humans can’t. What hidden partner allows them to turn that tough, fibrous plant into energy?