Equine Nutrition :: Biology Anatomy Horse Essays

The digestive system of the horse consists of a simple accept, down(p) intestines, blind gut, large and small colons, rectum and anus. The horses stomach is comparatively small for its size. The stomach of an fairish horse has a holding capacity of about two gallons. This whitethorn be the reason horses eat small but 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 heftiness theme found in bleeds and how it is measured in Kilocalories (kcal). (arg.gov.sk.ca) which is also the measure utilize for calories in human consumption. Equine energy intake 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 Digestible 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 pitch. (arg.gov.sk.ca)Carbohydrates bring home the bacon 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 choose conducted by Sharon R. Bullimore et. all. investigated the result of supplementing the diet of endurance horses with fructose rather than glucose. They give over that fructose is well-absorbed by horses and rapidly converted to glucose.An assessment of adequate energy intake can be established by evaluating body condition. unequal diets result in weight loss in the horse. Alternate causes of weight loss are internal parasites and disease. Excess energy intake bulwark cause obisity which stresses joints and reduces athletic ability. (arg.gov.sk.ca) A horse in moderate strong-arm condition is described as Back level. Ribs cannot be visually tell apart but can be easily felt. Fat around tailhead first to feel spongy. Withers appear rounded over spinous processes. Shoulders and get it on blend smoothly into body. (Henneke et al., 1981)Protein is necessary in a horses diet as they can not produce the amino dose lysine and must be supply it in their feed. The horses protein requirements change depending on age and function. Young horses needing more as they are hitherto developing tissues made of protein.