EQUINE DIGESTION

A correct and balanced nutrition is very important for a proper horse care. They are non-ruminant animals, they have one stomach, therefore they use microbial fermentation in a part of the digestive system known as the cecum (or caecum) to break down the cellulose.

Horses have unique digestive systems that are designed to process good-quality forages. In order to feed our horses properly to meet their maintenance, work, growth and reproduction requirements, we must have an understanding of the equine digestive tract and horse feeds. 

"Not only must we supply proper amounts of certain minerals and protein a certain horse requires, but also be aware of energy in the diet and how it affects the horse's metabolism. We must understand how the way we feed horses affects growth, maintenance and performance."