THE STOMACH

The stomach of a horse is small in comparison to the rest of its body. As a result, the food it eats does not stay long in its stomach. The upper opening (upper orifice) of the stomach is fitted with a strong valve that prevents the emission of stomach contents or gases. Horses cannot burp or vomit. As a result, the horse’s stomach may become very bloated when there is a build-up of gases. This usually occurs when large amounts of starch react with the bacterial flora of the stomach and begin to ferment and produce gas which then does not pass fast enough through the digestive system of the horse. The problem is often caused by the horse having consumed large amounts of cereal during a short period of time.

Upon entering the stomach, the feed comes into contact with the acidic gastric juice. This, in turn, activates the enzymes required for the extraction of nutrients in the small intestine of the horse.

The feed continues into the small intestine via the lower end of the stomach also known as the pylorus. Bile is now added in the bile duct, making the fat in the feed soluble in water and also, a source of energy. In the pancreas, bicarbonate is secreted which helps bind the acidity of the feed. The same secretion also provides the enzymes needed to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates.