We eat food. The food is broken down into its constituent pieces and the nutrients are absorbed. These give us energy and provide the building blocks that we need for our bodily functions. We excrete the excess and waste products.
However, the digestive system does so much more than digest. This article explores some of these functionalities and why it's important to support the digestive system.
➡ Acts as a barrier
The inside of the digestive system is contiguous with the outside of the body. (Think: open your mouth and it’s open to the outside air.) Because of this, there are tons of pathogens that we could eat that would be detrimental to us. The tight junctions of the intestines make sure that the pathogens present on our food doesn’t get into our system.
➡ Contains the microbiota
The microbiota are the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in our guts. They aid in digestion, but also excrete products into the big vat of the large intestines. In horses, some parts of the plant that aren’t broken down in the foregut are fermented in the hindgut. The fermentation products include volatile fatty acids, lactic acid, and B vitamins. To have a healthy horse, it’s important to have a healthy microbiota.
➡ Hormone secretions
Hormones are a specialized signaling molecule. The most commonly discussed gut hormones are leptin and ghrelin, which signals to our brain if we are full or hungry.
However, there are other hormones secreted by the gut and the gut microbiota. These include molecules that affect mood, anxiety, and perception of pain.
➡ Immune cells and immune response
While it’s estimated that 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, the actual cells in the gut are only part of the story. The short chain fatty acids produced by the microbiota act as signaling molecules to the autonomic nervous system.
➡ Role in inflammation
With all these functions, it’s no wonder that inflammation can also be a component of the guts. Because the presence of COX enzymes in the gut lining, when NSAIDs are used, they negatively affect the lining of the intestines.
➡ What does all this mean to the horse owner?
With all these functions that occur in the digestive system, it’s easy to recognize how important gut health is for the horse.
Steps to better gut health:
» Feed mostly high-quality forage to support a healthy microbiota
» If possible, find forage that is not too young (or too high in non-structural carbohydrates), nor too old (with fewer nutrients, and not as easily digested).
» Reduce stress for your horse
» Support your horse with regular feedings and/or pasture time.
» Don’t allow your horse to have too much, nor too little food.
» Be sure that your horse gets plenty of exercise to help support the signaling hormones
» Reduce allergens and/or poisons in the feed (e.g. limit acorn access to horses)
➡ What supplements can help support my horse’s digestion?
Equine gut support: Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, glutamine, aloe vera, slippery elm, and beta glucan
Equine ulcer support: Help support horses with ulcers, rich in beta glucan and hyaluronic acid
Yea-Sacc by Alltech: Contains a patented saccharomyces cerevisiae
We do the best we can for our horses. Gut health is an important factor in their well-being.
Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay 2024