Horse Digestive Tract Anatomy: An Impressive Animation and Demo by Dr. Gabi Gross

This video demonstrates the size and location of the horse's digestive tract. The horse has two different digestive systems: Foregut (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum) are similar in function to those of omnivores and carnivores, although different in length. The foregut in an adult 1,000 pound horse has a length of approximately 70-80 feet. This is the equivalent of two school busses lined up behind each other! The foregut digests protein, carbohydrates, fats, supplements and medications. The hindgut, consisting of Colon, Cecum and Rectum, represents the horse's fermentation chamber, where fiber such as hay and grass gets digested. The Cecum is located on the right side of the horse. Its dead ending tip goes all the way up to the horse's heart. This is where sand gets accumulated. The hindgut cannot digest any protein, carbohydrates or fats! It is very important that all protein, carbohydrates and fats get absorbed in the foregut, because they will damage the microflora (probiotics) in the hindgut. The hindgut can only do three things: Cut fiber into volatile fatty acids (VFA's), absorb water and process minerals. The fiber digestion is done by microorganisms called "probiotics" which live in symbiosis with the horse. Horse Health Coaching was created by Dr. Gabi Gross, German Veterinarian and Nutritionist. It is a natural approach for horse health & Equine performance. Horse health coaching is like health coaching for people, just here applied to the horse. Customized nutritional programs and health management solutions are available remotely or in person. Applicable to all Equine performance and chronic horse health issues, such as weight problems, PPID, Equine Cushings, Insulin resistance, hoof problems, white line disease, muscle building, anxiety, not focusing, behavioral issues, diarrhea, sensitivity to touch, bleached coat, non-shedding, fat-deposits, chronic thrush, repetitive ligament injuries, allergies, welts, hives, respiratory problems, food allergies, head-shaking, Lyme disease, gastric ulcers, hindgut issues and anything that conventional Veterinary Medicine has not been able to address in a satisfactory manner.