What substance serves as the yak's primary energy source absorbed through the rumen wall?
Answer
Volatile fatty acids (VFAs)
The specialized biological mechanism in the yak's rumen involves microbial fermentation of fibrous material. The beneficial microbes present in this environment break down complex carbohydrates and produce various metabolic byproducts. Among these, Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) are the most crucial output relevant to energy metabolism. Once produced within the rumen chamber, these VFAs are subsequently absorbed directly through the rumen wall into the yak's bloodstream, where they function as the animal's principal source of energy.

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