Resolving thin manure: causes and solutions
One of the most common reasons for loose manure is a disturbed intestinal flora. Has your horse had loose manure for a long period (longer than two months), while a manure sample has shown that the horse is not infected with worms?
How exactly do horse intestines work?
A large, diverse population of microorganisms lives in the caecum and large intestine. These bacteria live in symbiosis with the horse and help break down parts of the ration that are difficult to digest, such as crude fibre and cellulose. The microorganisms break down feed so that the horse gets far more out of it.
The crude fibre is converted by bacteria into volatile fatty acids such as acetic, butyric and propionic acid. These fatty acids are absorbed into the blood through the intestinal wall and can be stored or used directly as an energy source. The microorganisms can only survive and do their work in an environment with a neutral acidity (pH 6-7).
In order to have sufficient absorption capacity, the intestines are not only long, but also have a very efficient folded wall. The intestinal wall consists of a single layer of epithelial cells, with an extensive network of immune cells behind them. Through this thin wall, nutrients can easily be absorbed into the body. The immune cells ensure that microorganisms cannot enter the blood from the intestine.
The small intestinal wall is covered with intestinal villi. To enlarge the surface, the villi are equipped with microvilli. This renewal cycle can be disrupted in horses with loose manure and colicky symptoms.
This can be caused by:
- Medication use, such as antibiotics
- Ration fluctuations
- Large amounts of starch in the ration
- Worm infestation
- Dehydration
- Extreme exertion
The cause of loose manure
When the ration fluctuates, the population of microorganisms changes and bacteria in the intestines die, releasing toxins. When there is a lot of starch, the normally limited population of lactic acid-producing bacteria grows strongly and a lot of lactic acid is produced. Lactic acid is poorly absorbed by the intestinal wall and remains in the intestine. As a result, hardly any water is extracted from the manure and so-called osmotic diarrhoea develops. The drop in pH that follows the accumulation of lactic acid can cause colic, among other things. It also has a negative effect on the bacteria that break down cellulose.
The negative influence of antibiotics
Besides being effective against pathogenic organisms, antibiotics also affect many beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora. This creates space for pathogenic bacteria to multiply, often with watery diarrhoea as a direct result. The condition of the mucous layer on the intestines depends on many factors. Butyric acid, a volatile fatty acid produced by the intestinal flora, supports mucus production.
How is normal bowel function supported?
Five tips to support a healthy intestinal flora:
- Provide at least 1 to 1.5 kg of dry matter (roughage) per 100 kg of body weight and distribute this over at least four feedings per day.
- Use a slow feeder to provide roughage.
- Avoid or reduce stressful situations.
- Choose a high-fibre concentrate feed, such as Hartog Balance. Or even better: mix your concentrate feed with a roughage mix such as Hartog Lucerne Mix, Hartog Lucerne Plus or Hartog Digest.
- Support the digestive system with Hartog Digest, a roughage mix with functional ingredients for the stomach and gut.
Does the loose manure persist? Always consult your veterinarian.
