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3 Facts About the Equine Cecum
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Video Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-yY9PbB_uk
The cecum, located at the start of the horse's hindgut, plays a critical role in digestion by acting as a fermentation chamber for fibrous foods like hay and grass. Holding around 30 liters, the cecum is home to a diverse community of microorganisms, which break down plant fibers. These microbes produce volatile fatty acids, which serve as a major energy source for the horse. The cecum’s contractions mix ingested material with microbes before it moves into the colon for further fermentation. However, because the cecocolic orifice (connecting the cecum and colon) is relatively small, food that isn't fully broken down can cause impactions, potentially leading to colic. • #HorseHealth #GutHealth #EquineNutrition #Cecum #Fermentation
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