Q74: Which of the following statements are correct about ruminant digestive... - Rumen Eco-system and Functions - Animal Nutrition- ICAR JRF/SRF 2024 | Agrigyan

• Large Intestine as Major Site of Sodium Absorption: The caecum and colon in ruminants actively absorb large amounts of sodium via aldosterone-regulated epithelial sodium channels ($Na^+/H^+$ antiporters), recovering sodium secreted in parotid saliva. (True)
• Rumen Fungi Initiate Fibre Degradation: Anaerobic chytridiomycete rumen fungi (Neocallimastix, Piromyces, Orpinomyces) possess rhizoids that physically penetrate thick, lignified plant cuticles, allowing cellulolytic bacteria access to internal cell walls. (True)
• Efficiency of Energy Conservation of Glucose: Complete biochemical oxidation of 1 mole of glucose yields 30–32 moles of ATP, conserving approximately $38\text{--}39\%$ of its standard free energy ($\Delta G^\circ = -2870\text{ kJ/mol}$). (True)
• Excess Anions and Acid-Base Status: An excess of dietary anions ($Cl^-, SO_4^{2-}$) decreases dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), inducing metabolic acidosis (not alkalosis). (False)

Correct option: (1) (A), (6), and (C) only