Lets Talk About the Hindgut

Lets Talk About the Hindgut

The hindgut of a horse refers to a part of its digestive system located after the small intestine.

Hindgut Function and Importance

  • The hindgut is a specialized large intestine in horses.
  • It houses billions of beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and provide energy from fiber and vitamins.
  • Hindgut health is crucial for a horse's overall health and performance.

The Effects of High Grain Diets on the Hindgut

  • High grain diets, commonly fed to racing horses, can disrupt the balance in the hindgut.
  • This disruption leads to the death of beneficial bacteria and limits hindgut functionality.
  • Resulting issues include weight loss, behavioral changes, poor hoof quality, and loss of appetite.
  • Hindgut acidosis is a common condition in horses where the hindgut's pH becomes acidic.

 Hindgut Acidosis and its Consequences

  • It is caused by undigested starch from cereal grains, such as corn or barley.
  • Acidosis leads to reduced fiber fermentation, vitamin B1 deficiency, and poor hoof quality.
  • Horses may exhibit behavioral changes, such as agitation, chewing on timber, and licking at their stalls.
  • Severe acidosis can cause endotoxemia and metabolic acidosis, damaging the hindgut wall.

Maintaining a Healthy Hindgut

  • Feeding cooked grains and providing ample fiber can prevent hindgut problems.  
  • Racing horses should be fed at least 1% of their bodyweight in hay and chaff.
  • Adjusting the amount of hay and chaff fed a few days before a race can help manage weight concerns. 
  • Proper feed choices and a balanced diet are crucial for hindgut health.

Overall Impact and Considerations

  • A poorly balanced hindgut can lead to weight loss, colic, laminitis, or endotoxemia.
  • Hindgut health is essential for a horse's performance and overall well-being.
  • Careful consideration of feed choices and feeding practices is necessary for racing horses.

Enhancing Hindgut Health

COOL FIBRE:

  • Highly Digestible: COOL FIBRE made from 100% Soy Hulls offers superior digestibility for efficient nutrient utilization.

  • Quality Protein Source: It provides a moderate level of quality proteins, supporting tissue repair and maintenance.

  • Quick Soaking: COOL FIBRE can be easily soaked to create a palatable wet mash.

HEKEAO GASTROFUEL

  • Unique blend formulated for the prevention and healing of gastric ulcers in horses.

  • Beneficial for improving gut health and addressing gastric ulcers in horses.

  • Lupins and peas provide nutritional support and contribute to overall gut health.

  • TrueFibre Timothy hay pellets offer fiber content, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.

  • Yea-Sacc and Actigen are probiotic and prebiotic ingredients, respectively, supporting a balanced gut microbiome.

HEKEAO GRAIN FREE PELLETS

  • A great option for horses that are sensitive to grains.

  • High in protein and fat, with a moderate level of fiber.

  • Reduced inflammation: The absence of soy can help to reduce inflammation in the hindgut, which can lead to problems such as colic and diarrhea.

  • Improved digestion: The high fiber content of the feed can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation.

  • Prevention of problems: The absence of additives can help to prevent problems such as colic and diarrhea.

POSEIDON DIGESTIVE EQ

  •  Contains digestive enzymes for improved digestion and nutrient uptake. 
  • Provides dual action stomach pH buffering with red marine algae and magnesium hydroxide. 
  • Includes new post-biotics and prebiotics for enhanced gut protection and repair. 
  • Contains four amino acids for stomach health and cell repair.

POSEIDON DIGESTIVE RP

  •  Offers extra digestive enzymes for improved digestion and nutrient uptake.

  •  Provides dual action stomach pH buffering with red marine algae and magnesium hydroxide.

  •  Contains prebiotics and a higher level of postbiotics for extra gut protection and repair. 
  • Includes five amino acids for stomach health and cell repair.
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