In what form do ruminants absorb their energy?

Ruminants absorb energy primarily in the form of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are produced during the fermentation of fibrous plant material in their specialized stomachs, particularly the rumen. The main VFAs—acetate, propionate, and butyrate—are absorbed through the rumen wall into the bloodstream and utilized for energy. Additionally, ruminants also derive energy from proteins and carbohydrates, but VFAs are their primary energy source.