Chewing is a fundamental process for maintaining a healthy horse digestive system. Proper mastication ensures that feed is broken down into smaller particles, which increases the surface area for digestive enzymes and microbial fermentation, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption and reducing the risk of digestive disturbances. [1]
Horses evolved to chew fibrous roughage for extended periods, which stimulates saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural buffer, protecting the stomach lining from gastric acid and supporting gut health. [2]
Dental health is critical for effective chewing. Dental disorders such as uneven wear, overgrowths, or malocclusion can impair mastication, leading to larger feed particles entering the digestive tract, reduced digestibility, and increased risk of colic or gastric ulcers. [3]
Regular dental examinations and corrections are essential to prevent these issues and maintain optimal chewing function.
The type of feed significantly influences chewing activity. Horses chewing hay exhibit larger mandibular excursions and more intense masseter muscle activity compared to those eating pellets or concentrates, which are consumed more rapidly and with less chewing. [2][4]
Diets high in concentrates and low in roughage are associated with reduced chewing, decreased saliva production, and a higher risk of gastric ulcer syndrome. [5]
Ensuring adequate roughage intake and promoting natural chewing behavior are key strategies for digestive health.
In summary, chewing is essential for a healthy horse digestive system by promoting feed breakdown, saliva production, and protecting against digestive diseases. Maintaining dental health and providing appropriate roughage are critical to support this process.
[1-5]
1. Comparative Ingestive Mastication in Domestic Horses and Cattle: A Pilot Investigation. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2010. Janis CM, Constable EC, Houpt KA, Streich WJ, Clauss M.
2. Electromyographic Evaluation of Masseter Muscle Activity in Horses Fed (I) Different Types of Roughage and (Ii) Maize After Different Hay Allocations. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2013. Vervuert I, Brüssow N, Bochnia M, Cuddeford D, Coenen M.
3. A Review of Equine Dental Disorders. Veterinary Journal. 2005. Dixon PM, Dacre I.
4. Comparison of Mandibular Motion in Horses Chewing Hay and Pellets. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2007. Bonin SJ, Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL, Johnston T.
5. High Intake of Sugars and Starch, Low Number of Meals and Low Roughage Intake Are Associated With Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in a Belgian Cohort. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2021. Galinelli N, Wambacq W, Broeckx BJG, Hesta M.
