Better equine digestion

Better Feeding – Better Equine Digestion

The equine gastro-intestinal tract is a high-functioning structure that, when healthy, is extremely effective at digestion, energy conversion and nutrient absorption. However, certain design aspects of the equine gut can increase the risk of digestive conditions, presenting with problematic symptoms. The most common digestive problems seen in equines are gastric ulcers which mainly occur in the stomach and hindgut acidosis, which can affect the large intestine, caecum and colon.

Both gastric ulcers and hindgut acidosis are common in all horses, however they are particularly high in performance horses. While there are many contributing factors to the conditions and horses can be at risk of them when feeding practices are correct, both conditions generally occur due to stress and incorrect feeding practices. Diagnosis can be tricky as both conditions can display similar symptoms and to make diagnosis even more difficult, the conditions can also be asymptomatic, meaning no outward signs are displayed. However common signs include inappetance, grumpy behaviour, loose manure, mild colic and underperformance. Gastric ulcers mainly occur in the upper squamous region of the stomach. While they can occur in the lower glandular region, they are more common in the upper portion as this area doesn’t have a mucous layer or secrete bicarbonate for protection. Horses produce gastric acid at a constant rate and stomach pH can decrease quickly if the horse does not eat frequently. Meal feeding and prolonged periods without access to forage is the number one cause of ulcers, as consumption of forage stimulates saliva production which contains bicarbonate to buffer gastric acid and protect the non-glandular section of the stomach. At least 1.5 percent of the horse’s body weight in forage fed at a consistent rate is required for ulcer prevention. Diets higher in grain also contribute to the risk of ulcers as grain and concentrate feeds have less of a buffering effect on the stomach and increase gastrin production – the hormone that stimulates gastric acid production. Hindgut acidosis has two major causes; over-consumption of high starch concentrates or pastures rich in sugars known as fructans. The delicate array of microbes that reside in the hindgut are dedicated to fibre digestion and fermentation and microbial disturbance. A drop in pH occurs when undigested starch and sugars escape digestion in the small intestine and overflow into the hindgut. The limited capacity of the stomach and small intestine means that this can happen easily and keeping grain meals small is highly important in preventing this condition occurring. Recommendations are to feed no more than 2.5kg of grain or concentrate feed per meal to an average 500kg horse. If hindgut acidosis is occurring due to pasture exposure the best mode of action is to restrict grazing and offer low sugar forage alternatives such as hay to ensure adequate forage is being consumed daily.

For further assistance and advice on preventing and managing digestive conditions in horses, consult a reputable equine nutritionist.

Article supplied by Luisa Wood, Equine Nutritionist