Last two parts: the small & large intestines!

So well I was having a conversation with my good friend Owly again, and she told me quite a good lot about the small and large intestine of a cow!

The small intestine:

The rest of digestion is performed in the small intestine and large intestine much as it is in humans and other mammals.  Digesta that leaves the rumen and enters the lower digestive tract includes some microbes and undigested fiber, as well as protein and some sugars produced by the microbes.  By-pass protein, fat, and carbohydrates also enter the lower digestive tract.  Bypass protein, fat, and carbohydrates are nutrients that cannot be digested in the rumen but may be digested in the abomasum and small intestine.

Enzymes to digest proteins, sugars, and starch flow into the small intestine from the pancreas, while the gall bladder produces bile to help digest fats.  The small intestine also produces some enzymes to aid in digestion, but its major function is absorption of digested nutrients.  Except for the volatile fatty acids, most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine including protein, starch, fats, minerals and vitamins.

The large intestine:

Water is primarily absorbed in the  large intestine.  Undigested feed, some excess water, and some metabolic wastes leave the large intestine as fecal material.  The consistency of manure is an indicator of animal health and is dependent on water, fiber, and protein content of the food.  For example, cows on lush spring forage will have profuse watery, greenish colored manure, whereas animals on a hay diet will have firm manure that is dark in color.  Animals should produce manure that is indicative of the diet they are receiving.  If not, it may indicate a digestive upset or disease.  Light colored manure, manure tinged with blood, and watery manure (when on a dry diet) are not normal situations. 

Wow! So that's how digestion for a cow ends! Much more interesting than yours, right, humans? ;D