Process of Digestion in Ruminants:
Ruminants are animals with a unique digestive system that allows them to efficiently extract nutrients from plant material through a process called fermentation. The process of digestion in ruminants involves the following steps:

1. Ingestion: Ruminants consume plant material, which is then stored in the rumen, the first chamber of their stomach.

2. Rumination: Ruminants regurgitate a portion of the ingested food (cud) from the rumen and chew it again to further break down the plant material.

3. Fermentation: The cud is then swallowed again and passes through the reticulum and omasum, where further breakdown of the food occurs through fermentation by bacteria and other microorganisms.

4. Absorption: The partially digested food moves to the abomasum, the fourth chamber of the stomach, where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Role of a Four-Chambered Stomach:
The four-chambered stomach of ruminants (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum) plays a crucial role in the digestion process by allowing for efficient breakdown of plant material and extraction of nutrients. Each chamber has a specific function:
- Rumen: Acts as a fermentation vat where bacteria break down cellulose in plant material.
- Reticulum: Helps in the regurgitation of cud and further mixing of food.
- Omasum: Absorbs water and other essential nutrients from the food.
- Abomasum: Functions like a true stomach, producing digestive enzymes to further break down the food for absorption.
Overall, the four-chambered stomach of ruminants allows for the thorough digestion of plant material, enabling these animals to thrive on a diet of roughage.