Llama in mountain meadow Llamas are pseudoruminants with a three-chambered stomach that allows them to digest coarse, high-fiber plants efficiently, helping them thrive in the sparse, high-altitude pastures of South America. (more) Are Llamas Ruminants? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Are-Llamas-Ruminants Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 17, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Llamas are pseudoruminants, with a three-chambered stomach for digesting food. True ruminants—mammals such as cattle, sheep, and goats—typically have a four-chambered stomach. Like ruminants, llamas can eat fibrous plants and chew the cud, which is the partly digested food they regurgitate and rechew. When a llama eats, food enters the first chamber, where microbial fermentation begins. This ingested food material is then regurgitated, rechewed, and swallowed again before passing through the second and third chambers. The last section of the third chamber secretes stomach acid and performs a role similar to the abomasum—the “true stomach” of ruminants—although the arrangement of ...(100 of 114 words)

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