Gut microbiome
The gut microbiome is the large population of micro-organisms in the hindgut that digests the fibre for the horse. The horse and its microbes work together.
General information, not individual feeding or ration advice. For your own horse, consult your vet or a nutritionist.
How does it work?
In the caecum and large colon lives a large community of bacteria, fungi and single-celled organisms. They ferment the fibre that the horse cannot digest itself, and in doing so provide, through volatile fatty acids, a large part of the energy, plus B vitamins and vitamin K. This population is sensitive: it adapts slowly to the ration and needs stability to work well.
Why it matters
A healthy, stable microbiome is the engine behind fibre digestion. Upset that balance and loose droppings, gas formation or colic often follow.
Common misconceptions
- The microbiome does not adapt in a day; it needs days to weeks to get used to new feed.
- It is not the horse itself but its microbes that do most of the fibre digestion.
What to watch for
Sudden feed changes, large sugar and starch loads, and antibiotics can all upset the gut flora. Change feed gradually, and only use medication on your vet's prescription.
Discover more
Sources: Rutgers NJAES · University of Minnesota.