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Equine Information Evening - Westport Equine Digestive Anatomy - Effects on Health and Performance Nia O’Malley BSc Eq 23 Nov 2008 The horse… Unique digestive system: Foregut (digestion by enzymes) Similar to man, pig or dog Hindgut (digestion by bacteria) Similar to cow, sheep or deer By nature…. Continuous grazers High fibre diet Small stomach size Continuously secrete gastric acid Saliva buffers gastric acid Highly developed hindgut Low starch diet Short transit time through foregut (3 hours) Problems…. Confinement Limited access to forage Occupational therapy! Large meals Foragers Overload the stomach High starch diets Incomplete digestion - colic Equine Digestive System Stomach Small size relative to total GI tract Highly acidic Continuously secreting gastric acid Optimal digestion when stomach is no more than two thirds full Upper section prone to ulceration…. Gastric Ulceration Upper Region Reservoir for incoming food Saliva buffers acid Lower Region Highly acidic Thick mucous layer Raised Ridge Prevents overspill Common area for ulcers Gastric Lesions Lesions Erosions Bleeding ulcer Clinical Signs Poor performance Poor coat Loss of condition Teeth grinding Poor appetite Depression Intermittent colic Behaviour changes Foals: Lying on back Teeth grinding Salivation Poor nursing Diarrhoea Treat foals immediately Severe danger of sudden gastric perforation Prevalence 93% race horses in training 63% performance horses 37% leisure horses 57% foals However only 50% of those with gastric ulcers may actually show clinical signs!!! Optimal Stomach Health Keep meal sizes small for optimal digestion Avoid extended periods of time without forage/grazing Avoid exercising too soon after exercise With foals avoid extended periods of time without suckling Small Intestine Long narrow tube (70 ft) Digestion of starches, proteins and fats by enzymes Short transit time (3 hours) Starch overload….colic Very sensitive to change… Optimal Digestion in the Small Intestine Introduce dietary changes slowly Keep meal sizes small to ensure optimum digestion Cooked/processed feed ingredients allow for more efficient digestion Adding oil to the diet slows passage of food Large Intestine Digestion of fibrous material by bacteria (18-36 hours) Very sensitive to change Starch feeds bad bacteria and they proliferate…problems…. Many twists and turns… Optimal Digestion in the Large Intestine Avoid starch over-load Introduce dietary changes slowly Ensure teeth in good condition Always have fresh clean water available Good Feeding Practices Regular dentist visits Small meals Clean fresh water always available When exercise starts digestion stops! Know what you are feeding Forage always available Gradual changes to feed/diet Distribution of Blood Flow ORGAN AT REST EXERCISE Brain 10% 10% Heart 5% 5% Skin 5% 5% Muscle 15% 80% Kidney 20% 2% Intestines 30% 3% Other 15% 3% Know what you are feeding Processed Cooked Whole/bruised/flaked Micronised Steam cooked Feedstuffs Cereals Alternative Energy Sources Complete Feeds Thank you for your attention! Any questions? Nia O’Malley M: 087 9902651 E: [email protected]