Horses are monogastric hindgut fermenters. This means that they have one stomach and are equipped with a large hindgut for fermentation. The hindgut of the horses comprises about 60% of their total gastrointestinal (GI) tract and includes the cecum, large colon and small colon. Understanding how the hindgut functions can equip horse owners with the knowledge to optimally support their horse’s GI function through diet and management.

The hindgut of the horse is a delicate ecosystem that is home to billions of microbes. This includes bacteria, protozoa, fungi and a variety of other microorganisms. The relationship between the horse and the microbes is symbiotic, as both parties benefit.

Illustration of the horse's digestion tract.When a horse consumes feed, it will pass through the foregut at a faster rate than the hindgut. Generally, feed passes through the foregut within a few hours, but will spend upwards of 48 hours in the hindgut. This allows the microbes ample time to effectively break down the fibrous feedstuffs.

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