The horse’s diet significantly impacts the function of its small intestine, influencing nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. Maintaining a balanced diet that avoids sudden changes and poor-quality feed is crucial for preventing digestive issues like colic and ensuring optimal small intestinal function in horses.
How Does a Horse’s Diet Affect Small Intestine Function?
A horse’s diet profoundly affects the function of its small intestine due to the organ’s crucial role in nutrient absorption. The equine digestive system relies on a steady intake of forage, and any disruption can lead to digestive issues. The small intestine is specifically adapted to process certain nutrients, and its efficiency depends on the quality and consistency of the diet.
What Anatomical Features of the Horse’s Digestive System Predispose it to Colic?
Several anatomical features of the equine digestive tract predispose horses to colic:
- Variations in Colon Diameter The large colon has marked variations in diameter, increasing the risk of blockage.
- Limited Attachment The limited attachment of the large colon to the body wall makes it susceptible to twisting.
- Simple Stomach Horses have a small, simple, undivided stomach, with a capacity of only 8.5 percent of the entire digestive system, making them different from animals like oxen.
These anatomical quirks mean that dietary changes have a significant influence on the incidence of colic.
How Does Forage Quality Impact the Small Intestine?
Good quality forage is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system in horses. High-quality grass-legume pastures can supply adequate nutrients for adult horses at light work or for pregnant mares. However, lush, early spring pasture, high in water and protein, may require supplementation with a high-energy source like grain for horses performing medium to heavy work. Conversely, late fall- and winter-pasture forage, low in water and protein, may need protein and vitamin A supplementation.
Moldy or dusty feeds should be avoided because horses are extremely susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications. Early horsemen preferred grass hays like timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass for racehorses because they were usually free from mold and dust and slowed the rate of passage through the intestinal tract. However, these hays are low in digestible energy and protein and must be adequately supplemented.
What Role Do Concentrates Play in Equine Digestion?
Concentrates, such as oats, corn, barley, wheat, and milo, are often used to supplement a horse’s diet, especially when pasture or hay does not meet their energy needs. Oats are often the preferred grain because of their bulk. The amount of feed required varies with age; weanling foals need about three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily, decreasing to one pound as they approach maturity.
How Do Dietary Changes Affect Colic?
Dietary changes are a significant factor influencing the incidence of colic in horses. More than 70 causes of colic have been identified, making it difficult to determine the exact cause in individual cases. Treatment may involve pain relief medication, mineral oil to soften impaction, or surgery.
| Feed Type | Impact on Digestion