A horse is able to host up to 1015 bacterial cells within their digestive tract! The majority of these bacteria reside in the colon, particularly the caecum.
These bacteria play essential functions in our horses and ponies: they help to digest fibre through fermentation, providing our horses and ponies with a valuable energy source.
Through this fermentation of fibre, these bacteria also produce substances which have immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, some of these substances help to strengthen gut wall integrity and help prevent against the development of gastric and colonic ulcers. Additionally, these bacteria produce B group vitamins (including biotin) and vitamin K.
Fibre is a key component of our horses’ and ponies’ diets for their overall health, wellbeing and performance. Ensuring they are fed sufficient fibre is a dietary factor which is often overlooked, yet is arguably one of the most influential feed related factors which influences every facet of their health.
Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.
As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.
