The small intestines of cows are similar in general structure and function to the small intestines of humans. In a cow, damage in the wall of the small intestine reduces the number of villi due to which the cow loses weight and becomes weak. What could be the reason for weight loss and weakness?

The reason for the weight loss and weakness is as a result of decreased

absorption of nutrients from digested food.

The villi is a finger-like structure found in the small intestine which helps in

the absorption of nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream. When

the villi are reduced, the absorption of nutrients are reduced.

This thereby brings about weight loss as a result of nutrient deficiency

caused  by low absorption into the bloodstream of the animal(cow)

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Low absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream from digested food.

Explanation:

This question is regarding the small intestine of a cow, which is said to be similar in general structure and function to the small intestines of humans. The small intestine is an organ found in the digestive tract of the cow or human in this case. Its primary function is to absorb the nutrients from the food, that has undergone series of digestion, into the bloodstream.

The small intestine is able to do this with the aid of the finger-looking extensions found on its wall called VILLI. The villi further contains MICROVILLI, which together helps the small intestine absorb nutrients into the blood. Hence, in a case whereby damage in the wall of the small intestine of the cow reduces the number of villi, resulting in weight loss and weakness.

This damage to the intestinal wall will cause a disruption in the absorptive function of the small intestine due to the reduced number of villi. Therefore, THE INABILITY OR LOW ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS INTO THE BLOOD THAT THE DAMAGE CAUSES is responsible for the weight loss and weakness in the cow.