A horse’s diet plays a crucial role in its overall health, performance and well-being. As a rider or owner, it is important to understand a horse’s gastrointestinal system of horses in order to provide them with a balanced diet adapted to their specific needs.
The horse's gastrointestinal system: how is it made up ?
The mouth
The horse’s mouth serves to pre-empt food, thanks in particular to the upper lip. upper lip in particular, the first breakdown of food occurs via mastication and salivation. The horse’s flat teeth are adapted to crush plant fibers.
The esophagus
The horse’s esophagus is a muscular tube that originates at the back of the mouth mouth and ends in the stomach. This tubular organ is equipped with peristaltic peristaltic movements that allow food to pass into the stomach.
In a normal-sized adult horse, the esophagus is around 1m20 long, and serves to water, food and salivary secretions to the stomach.
The stomach
Compared to other herbivores, the horse’s stomach has a very small capacity, from 15 to 18 liters. It’s generally only 2/3 full, or 10 to 12 liters. Hence the importance of throughout the day. The stomach breaks down food into chyme (clear liquid). Forage does not undergo modification in the stomach. Foods rich in cellulose (forage) will not be will not be attacked by fermentative microflora, except in the large intestine.This is why it’s a good idea to feed the forage first, then the feed.
Good to know: the continuous production of gastric juice makes horses susceptible to gastric ulcers. Beware of prolonged fasting and inappropriate feeding!
The small intestine
This is where most digestion takes place. The horse’s small intestine is 16 to 24 meters long, with a capacity of 60 liters. Nutrients are absorbed by the intestinal villi and then pass into the bloodstream.
Digestion in the small intestine takes just a few hours. It is enzymatic in nature and hardly affects cellulose.
It is mainly the constituents of concentrated foods that are digested :
– sugars ;
– lactose ;
– starch ;
– fats ;
– nitrogenous matter (especially proteins).
The enzymes amylase, lactase, maltase, proteases and peptidases are those that release
the various nutritional elements in food. They provide the body with usable nutritional energy elements.
In general, they provide 30 to 60% of the total energy absorbed.
Nitrogenous nutritional elements (amino acids) can provide 30 to 80% of total nitrogenous matter.
The large intestine
The horse’s large intestine is the most voluminous compartment, 180 to 220 liters divided between the cecum, colon (major and minor) and rectum. It is always full. In principle, forage is digested in the large intestine.
Here, digestion lasts at least 24 hours. The undigested constituents of the small intestine are digested in the large intestine through prolonged fermentation.
Some tips for ensuring a balanced diet for your horse
Regular access to fiber sources
Horses need a diet rich in fiber. They play an active role in digestion. You can offer your horse pasture grass and quality hay.
Varying nutrients
Horses need protein, vitamins and minerals. You can always consult your equine veterinarian to give your horse the right supplements.
Avoid abrupt changes in diet
Horses’ digestive systems are sensitive. Any change in diet should be introduced introduced gradually to avoid possible complications. You may also ask your vet’s advice before changing your horse’s diet.
Ensure adequate hydration
Remember to provide your horse with plenty of fresh water, even more so in summer. Hydration plays an active part in digestion.
A horse's diet must be adaptable
Depending on a horse’s age, weight, activities and health, its diet can vary and must be adapted accordingly.
Understanding horse anatomy
Understanding equine anatomy can help you better understand your horse’s needs. your horse’s needs.
For this, discover Julia Prével’s book “myology of the horse, muscle by muscle”.
Meticulous drawings and accessible texts will help you to better understand biomechanics of your horse.
In short, understanding the horse’s gastrointestinal system is fundamental to ensure a balanced diet and promote overall health.
By respecting the natural needs of these herbivorous animals, horse owners can help digestion, energy and longevity.