Abstract This project aimed to enhance ruminant nutrition education by combining the proven anatomical learning model of a preserved ruminant stomach with modern 3D scanning technology. The goal was to create a durable, visually rich, and accessible teaching tool that addresses educational gaps identified in the 2025 Alabama Cooperative Extension System Needs Assessment. Through the adaptation of the methods outlined in Pond et al. (1992), we were able to preserve a caprine stomach to serve as the model for 3D scanning. A whole caprine stomach (i.e., rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum) was collected after animal harvest at Auburn University Meat Laboratory (Auburn, AL) and dissected 5 cm above the esophageal sphincter and 5 cm below the pyloric sphincter. The stomach was flushed thoroughly using a water source inserted into the small intestine, while manually removing the fiber mat from the rumen and rhythmically applying pressure to evacuate contents through the esophageal orifice. After repeated flushing, the stomach was submerged in isopropyl alcohol for four weeks, with solution changes at Weeks 1 and 3 and rotation every 2 days during the first week. After dehydration, the stomach was dried in a forced air dryer for 5 days at 50 °C, then spray painted externally and internally with a clear coat (Matte Clear Enamel; Rust-Oleum, Vernon Hills, IL) following a medial dissection using an oscillating saw. For 3D scanning, the preserved stomach was suspended using fishing line in a well-lit environment with high background contrast. RealityScan software (Epic Games International, 2023) was used in Augmented Reality mode to capture 300 images from multiple angles and distances to generate a high-resolution 3D model. The protocol resulted in a structurally intact and anatomically accurate stomach model. The medial dissection revealed clear compartmental boundaries and textures. The 3D scan successfully captured the internal and external features of the ruminant stomach showcasing the compartments, rumen, reticulum, and abomasum. This allows users to visualize flow patterns, compartment size, and tissue texture. The final model is compatible with mobile and desktop platforms, enabling interactive learning across various educational settings. This innovative combination of traditional preservation and modern 3D scanning technology produced an extension tool that enhances understanding of ruminant digestive anatomy. The model addresses a documented need for improved ruminant nutrition education and provides a scalable, accessible resource for extension agents, educators, and producers. We plan to use this for both youth and adult programing as a visual model in PowerPoints, a reference for informative talks, and the base for interactive anatomy modules with hotspots. Future evaluations will assess its effectiveness in improving learner outcomes and engagement. Furthermore, this work will lead to a printed 3D model for tactile implementation and open the door to future 3D modeling.
Barrett et al. (Wed,) studied this question.