Equine Nutrition :: Biology Anatomy Horse Essays

The digestive system of the gymnastic horse consists of a simple stomach, diminished intestines, cecum, large and down(p) colons, rectum and anus. The horses stomach is comparatively nice for its size. The stomach of an average horse has a holding capacity of or so two gallons. This may be the reason horses eat small to a greater extent all over frequent meals. From the stomach food moves to the small intestine, which is the main site of digestion. The small intestine empties into the cecum. The cecum along with the large colon make up the large intestine. Digestion in the large intestine occurs by action of bacteria and protozoa. (arg.gov.sk.ca)The nada content found in feeds and how it is measured in Kilocalories (kcal). (arg.gov.sk.ca) which is in like manner the measure utilise for calories in human consumption. Equine nothing breathing in is measured in megacalories (Mcal) which are equal to 1000 calories. (arg.gov.sk.ca) The total energy in feed is called gross energy . The amount of the feeds gross energy that is used by the horse is called assimilable Energy or DE. Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) is also a measure of feed content energy, it is reported in percentages and converts between calories and weight. (arg.gov.sk.ca)Carbohydrates supply 80-90% of dietary energy. Sugars, starch, cellulose and related substances are carbohydrates. Starch is more easily digested than cellulose. Grains are easy to digest as they are 60-80% starch. (arg.gov.sk.ca) A recent study conducted by Sharon R. Bullimore et. all. investigated the result of supplementing the diet of endurance horses with fruit sugar rather than glucose. They conclude that fructose is well-absorbed by horses and rapidly converted to glucose.An estimate of adequate energy intake can be established by evaluating body condition. Deficient diets result in weight loss in the horse. Alternate causes of weight loss are internal parasites and disease. Excess energy intake wall cause obisity w hich stresses joints and reduces athletic ability. (arg.gov.sk.ca) A horse in moderate physical condition is described as Back level. Ribs cannot be visually distinguished but can be easily felt. fatten out around tailhead beginning to feel spongy. Withers appear rounded over spinous processes. Shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body. (Henneke et al., 1981)Protein is necessary in a horses diet as they can not cook the amino acid lysine and must be supply it in their feed. The horses protein requirements vary depending on age and function. Young horses needing more as they are still developing tissues made of protein.