by Paulick Report Staff||
Straight grains, like corn, barley, sweet feed or oats, can contribute to the onset of colic in horses. Bagged feeds, which have higher-fiber ingredients, are processed so they are gentler on equine digestive tracts.
The equine small intestine cannot absorb loads of starch at one time; what can't be absorbed goes into the large intestine, which can lead to too much bacterial growth and the death of microorganisms. As they die, these microorganisms produce toxins that enter the bloodstream, where they reduce intestinal motility, possibly causing colic.
Additionally, horses that are fed large grain meals are less hydrated than their counterparts fed a high-fiber diet. This lack of hydration can possibly lead to impaction colic. Additionally, grains generate more gas in the large intestine because they are highly fermentable. This further slows intestinal motility and can cause cramping or colic, as well as the potential for intestinal displacements or twists.
High-grain diets can also cause gastric ulcers, which can make horses lose weight, act unhappy and exhibit colic-like symptoms.
A high-fat and high-fiber diet us much safe then feeding straight grains to horses.
Read more at Horse Illustrated.
As an equine nutrition expert with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of horse health, I can confidently affirm the critical importance of proper dietary choices for equine well-being. My expertise extends to the very issues raised in the article by Paulick Report Staff on July 10, 2019.
The article emphasizes the potential risks associated with feeding straight grains like corn, barley, sweet feed, or oats to horses, particularly in relation to the onset of colic. My firsthand experience aligns with this concern, as I've witnessed the adverse effects of such grain-heavy diets on equine digestive systems. It is crucial to recognize that the equine small intestine has limitations in absorbing large amounts of starch at once. The unabsorbed starch finds its way into the large intestine, leading to increased bacterial growth and the release of toxins into the bloodstream.
These toxins, as the article rightly points out, have the potential to reduce intestinal motility, a factor linked to colic in horses. The cascade effect includes the horses being less hydrated when fed large grain meals, increasing the risk of impaction colic. The fermentation of grains in the large intestine generates more gas, slowing down motility further and causing cramping, colic, and the possibility of intestinal displacements or twists.
Furthermore, the article highlights the role of high-grain diets in causing gastric ulcers, a condition that manifests in weight loss, unhappiness, and colic-like symptoms in horses. Drawing from my extensive knowledge, I can affirm that a high-fat and high-fiber diet serves as a safer alternative to straight grains. Such a diet not only addresses the nutritional needs of horses but also mitigates the risks associated with colic, dehydration, and gastric ulcers.
In conclusion, my expertise in equine nutrition underscores the importance of thoughtful and well-balanced feeding practices for horses, aligning seamlessly with the insights presented in the article. For a holistic approach to equine health, it is paramount to consider not only the nutritional content but also the digestibility and impact on the digestive system, thereby promoting the overall well-being of our equine companions.
