The digestive system of a horse differs significantly from that of other herbivores. Horses are non-ruminant herbivores, meaning they have a simple stomach and rely on hindgut fermentation in the cecum to digest plant matter, unlike ruminants such as cattle, which have a four-chamber stomach. This unique digestive process affects how horses process food and absorb nutrients compared to other herbivores.
How Does a Horse’s Digestive System Work?
Horses are hindgut fermenters, possessing a digestive system uniquely adapted for processing plant-based diets. Their digestive system consists of the following key components:
- Mouth and Esophagus: The horse’s digestive process starts in the mouth, where strong teeth grind grasses and vegetation. The esophagus, a muscular tube, then transports the food to the stomach.
- Stomach: Unlike ruminants, horses have a simple, small stomach, making up only about 8.5% of the entire digestive system. Due to its small size, the stomach empties quickly, necessitating frequent small meals.
- Small Intestine: Here, enzymes break down food, and nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Cecum: This large pouch is where hindgut fermentation occurs. Microbes break down undigested food residues, particularly cellulose, into short-chain fatty acids, which the horse then absorbs for energy.
- Large Intestine: The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining undigested material.
What Are the Key Differences Between Horse and Ruminant Digestion?
| Feature | Horse (Hindgut Fermenter)