Nutritional tips for veterinarians. (14th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, P.; Dunnett, C.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary education. Volume 30:Number 9(2018)
• Page Start: 486
• Page End: 496
• Publication Date: 2016-10-14
• Subjects: horse -- digestion -- forage -- quality -- analysis -- supplements; Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Horses -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/eve.12657
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-7734

Abstract

Summary: As a herd‐living, nonruminant, hindgut fermenting, primarily grazing herbivore the horse has evolved with a specialised gastrointestinal tract capable of utilising a wide range of plant species, which are hydrolysed and/or fermented to yield energy and nutrients for bodily processes. Domestication has resulted in the horse often being fed and managed to suit human requirements rather than their own, which can lead to digestive, behavioural and clinical issues. Appropriate nutrition not only reduces the risk of a nutritional component being a limiting factor to performance, but it also supports the maintenance of health and appropriate behaviour. A basic understanding of the digestive processes therefore can be very valuable when deciding how to feed horses optimally for both health and activity. This article provides a general overview of the gastrointestinal tract from a nutritional perspective and points out a few key practical areas where knowledge of feeding practices can be helpful for veterinarians.