Description
The hindgut microbiome plays an essential role in horses consuming forage-based diets high in fiber, such as pasture. The equine hindgut harbors a large microbial community that ferments dietary fiber and produces by-products which provide a substantial portion of daily energy requirements. Despite the importance in nutrition and health, research evaluating the hindgut microbiome of grazing horses is relatively limited. Grazing horse microbiome research has primarily focused on inter-diet comparisons with mixed diets including concentrates as well as with other forms of forage. Recent research has begun to explore responses of the gut microbiome to different pasture forage species and relationships with horse metabolism. Further research is needed to unravel the complex relationships between pasture management practices, impacts on the hindgut microbiome, and horse health outcomes. The objective of this presentation will be to discuss recent research and highlight future research needs and opportunities related to the microbiome of the grazing horse.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.13023/886a-xt15
Citation
Weinert, J. R. and Williams, C. A., "The Hindgut Microbiome of Grazing Horses" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 77.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/XXV_IGC_2023/Livestock/77
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Hindgut Microbiome of Grazing Horses
The hindgut microbiome plays an essential role in horses consuming forage-based diets high in fiber, such as pasture. The equine hindgut harbors a large microbial community that ferments dietary fiber and produces by-products which provide a substantial portion of daily energy requirements. Despite the importance in nutrition and health, research evaluating the hindgut microbiome of grazing horses is relatively limited. Grazing horse microbiome research has primarily focused on inter-diet comparisons with mixed diets including concentrates as well as with other forms of forage. Recent research has begun to explore responses of the gut microbiome to different pasture forage species and relationships with horse metabolism. Further research is needed to unravel the complex relationships between pasture management practices, impacts on the hindgut microbiome, and horse health outcomes. The objective of this presentation will be to discuss recent research and highlight future research needs and opportunities related to the microbiome of the grazing horse.
