Understanding how the horse’s digestive system works can help prevent common intestinal problems, such as coli pain and ulcers, and will ensure that the horse will thrive.
Let’s take a closer look at how horses digest food, common digestive issues, and effective ways to support healthy intestines.
Key takeout
- The horse is a hindgut fermenter. They should rely on microorganisms in the large intestine to digest the feed and make up a large part of the diet for optimal intestinal health.
- Consulting with your equine nutritionist or veterinarian to provide feed, develop a balanced diet, and using target supplements is an important strategy to support your horse’s digestive system.
- Gastrointestinal problems such as coli pain, stomach ulcers, and diarrhea are common in horses and can be managed or prevented with proper nutrition and care.
- Digestive supplements in particular can help protect against ulcers, coli pain, and diarrhea.
How do horses digest?
“Horse is called hindgut fermenters. That is, the large intestine (including the appendicum and colon) digests most of the digestive properties, and the overall volume of the gastrointestinal tract has very little stomach capacity,” he explains. Dr. Lynn TaylorPhD, equine nutrition consultant and professor of horse research Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey.
Although horses can treat simple starch and sugars in their stomachs and small intestines, these types of calories are usually not a majority of natural diets in the wild and should only be served in small quantities.
Instead, most horse digestion and nutrient extraction occurs in the hindgut. Once food is bitten by the teeth and swallows the esophagus, starch and sugar are extracted into the stomach and small intestine, but the large intestine does most of its work.
Horse relies on microorganisms in the large intestine to digest feed.
“The large intestine contains many microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, and digest all kinds of fiber that make up foraging,” says Dr. Taylor.
Forage is the most important part of a horse’s diet, in the form of grass, hay, hay cubes and hay pellets. Giving your horse consistent access to hay and grass is important to keep your gut moving and healthy.
However, many horses with light work do not require grain at all; Vitamins and mineral supplements With them
Common digestive problems in horses
Horse can experience digestive problems for a variety of reasons, and it is important to understand how these problems develop to help the horse properly.
Common digestive problems in horses include:
-
coliicAn umbrella term that refers to abdominal pain in a horse. Coli pain can be caused by gas buildup, blockage, or twisted intestines.
-
Gastric ulcer It is a painful lesion that often forms inside the stomach due to excessive stomach acid caused by stress, lack of feed, or excessive amounts of food.
Concentrate. Long-term use of NSAID drugs can also cause ulcers. -
diarrhea refers to loose or watery stool caused by infection, dietary changes, or intestinal imbalances
Bacteria. Dental problems and other age-related changes can also contribute to diarrhea. -
Dental problems It can lead to problems related to chewing and digestion due to damage or chipping of teeth. This problem is most common in older horses.
How to take care of your horse’s digestive system
The best thing you can do to not only provide consistent access to your feed, but also support your gut and overall health, consult with a professional to develop a balanced diet for your horse companions It’s about doing it.
“Horse have unique nutritional requirements based on life stage, workload, health status, metabolic status, and several other factors that affect their unique nutritional requirements,” he says. Dr. Rachel MotttePhD, Independent Horse Nutritionist and Owner Legacy Horse Nutrition In Ocala, Florida.
A veterinarian or horse nutritionist can provide nutritional recommendations to your specific horse and is set for optimal health, performance, growth and lifespan.
Digestive supplements for horses
Digestive supplements for horses can be incorporated into your diet, protecting sensitive stomachs from ulcers, preventing diarrhea and reducing the risk of coli pain.
When it comes to general supplements, horse owners face a variety of options and claims that can be overwhelming. However, there are some go-to supplements that can help you solve common digestive problems that are worth talking to your veterinarian.
One such supplement is stomach acid buffer. Dr. Motte explains that people “act like TUMS.” Gastric acid buffer helps keep your horse’s stomach comfortable during stressful situations, during rides, or during meals.
“The prevalence of stomach ulcer syndrome in horses is significant and they are becoming more and more popular as they realize that associated intestinal discomfort can affect appetite, performance and attitudes. ” says Dr. Motte.
A general rule is that it is a good idea for horse owners to have the following supplements and medications on hand to prevent and tackle the digestive dilemma.
-
Oral Vanamine paste Your vet may or may
We do not recommend managing during suspected episodes of coli pain. Always contact your veterinarian first before giving your horse vanamine. -
ulcergard This is an oral paste preparation of omeprazole, a preventive oral stomach ulcer drug. Equivalents of formula strength are called Gastro Guardand a veterinarian prescription is required.
-
Horse GI sponge A clay-based powder supplement that has stiffened in cases of diarrhea.
-
Plantain It is used to remove sand from the intestines and to prevent what is called “sand coli pain” when the horse is at risk of ingesting large amounts of sand. Plantains are usually served in pelleted form.
Horse Digestive System FAQ
Are horses autoenzyme digestive organs?
No, horses are not autoenzymatic digestive systems. This refers to digestion that is primarily dependent on enzymes that break down food by the animal’s own body. Instead, horses are hindgut fermenters, a type of digestion that relies heavily on intestinal microorganisms to break down food.
How is the digestive system of a horse different from humans?
Some important differences between horse and human digestion are the ability of the horse’s intestine to carry the billions of microorganisms needed to survive on a full-distance diet, and that horses produce non-stop. There is a lack of gallbladder.
How long does it take to digest it?
It usually takes 36-72 hours for the horse to digest food. Feeds take longer to process than concentrates, especially long-stemed hay.
