Anatomy of the Equine Intestinal Tract

Equine Intestinal Tract is divided into large sections based on its functionality. All these sections are the same in mammals. This includes the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and small colon.



Anatomy About Equine Intestinal Tract

Stomach:

The stomach is a large sac that condenses the feed which is ingested by horses. The acid present in the stomach helps to break down feed particles and an enzyme called pepsin starts protein digestion.

Small and Large Intestine:

True digestion starts in the small intestine that gets liquefied feed materials from the stomach with the pancreas secreted by enzymes into the small intestine. Small intestines are the primary site for digestion and absorption of sugar, starch, protein, and fat. Calcium, phosphorous, and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K are also absorbed by the small intestine.

The next segment is the large intestine which starting with the cecum and ends with a descending colon. The large intestine acts like a large fermentation vat in which several bacteria and protozoa reside to facilitate further digestion of plant fiber by the production of enzymes that are able to break down this component of the horse's diet. This fiber breakdown produces substances known as “volatile fatty acid” that are used by the horse for energy.


The other large intestine function is water absorption. This happens so efficiently that by the last stage in the small colon, waste material not used by the horse builds up into fecal balls. These are then passed into the rectum for evacuation through the anus.

Issues of Equine Intestinal Tract

Problems caused in horses are diarrhea, gastric ulcers, lack of appetite, weakness, constipation, and many more when they eat low-quality food. To improve the horse's performance you need to give them the best horse ulcer treatment. Get more details about equine health products via visiting our website here.

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