One of the most common reasons for thin manure is a disturbed intestinal flora. Does the horse have a long period (longer than two months) of thin manure? Has a manure sample revealed that the horse is not infected with worms though?  

How exactly do horse intestines work? 

A large, diverse population of microorganisms live in the thick and blind gut. The bacterial species live in symbiosis with the horse and help with the degradation of parts of the ration that are difficult to digest such as crude fiber/cellulose. Research has shown that animals that are born and reared sterile require much more food than animals that can build up an intestinal flora with microorganisms. The microorganisms breakdown foods so that the yield from the food rises enormously and the animal uses the nutrients better.  

The crude fiber 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 micro-organisms can only survive and do their work in a living 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 wrinkled wall. The intestinal wall consists of only a single layer of epithelial cells with behind them an extensive arsenal of immune cells. Through this thin wall, nutrients can easily be absorbed from the intestine through the blood into the body. The immune cells ensure that, in addition to nutrients, no microorganisms can enter the blood from the intestine. These microorganisms can cause a lot of damage.  

The small intestinal wall is strewn with intestinal villi (intestinal flakes). To enlarge the surface, the intestinal villi are equipped with microvilli. These intestinal villi have a life cycle of three days. Only in the last day of the cycle is the villi fully grown and the volatile fatty acids are maximally absorbed. This cycle can be disrupted in horses with thin dung and colicky symptoms. 

This is caused by: 

• Medication use such as antibiotics 
• Ration Fluctuations 
• Large amounts of starch in the ration 
• Worm contamination 
• Dehydration
• Extreme effort 

The disturbed growth cycle of intestinal villi (intestinal cells) 

In a disturbed growth cycle of the intestinal villi less fatty acids are released during the breakdown of crude fiber and thereby “starve” the intestinal villi. The villi die after two days, so that the volatile fatty acids and other building materials are absorbed less well. Craters are created in the lining of the intestinal wall so that pathogenic bacteria can easily attach themselves to the intestinal wall or penetrate into the body. 

The cause of thin manure 

In ration fluctuations, the population of microorganisms changes and the bacteria in the intestines die, releasing toxins (toxins). When there is a lot of starch, the normally limited population of lactic acid-producing bacteria grows strongly. A lot of lactic acid is produced here. Lactic acid is not absorbed by the intestinal wall. As a result, the lactic acid remains in the intestinal cavity. Hence, hardly any water is extracted from the manure and so-called osmotic diarrhea develops. The drop in pH that follows the accumulation of lactic acid in the intestine can cause colic, among other things. This also has a negative effect on the environment of bacteria that break down cellulose and provide the intestinal villi with nutrition.

The negative influences of antibiotics 

How is normal bowel function supported? 

We give 5 tips to prevent thin manure. These tips support the recovery of healthy intestinal flora. 

1. 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 
2. Use a slow feeder to provide roughage 
3. Avoid or reduce stressful situations 
4. Choose a high-fiber concentrate feed. The Hartog muesli ‘s for recreation and sport horses contain a great deal of fiber – For example, choose Hartog Balance for a fiber- rich muesli and Energy special for sport horses with a low proportion of starch. 
5. Protect the intestines with Hartog Digest ✓ Recommended by various horse clinics ✓ Practical results ✓ Hartog Digest protects the intestinal mucosa and supports mucus production ✓ Digest has a favorable influence on the pH value in the large intestine ✓ It restores the natural cycle of the intestinal villi ✓ It stimulates bowel function and slows the intestinal passage.