Questions

What is the gut microflora?

The gut microflora is a complex collection of microorganisms, which populates the length of the horse’s intestinal tract. Foals are born with a relatively sterile gut and soon after birth the foal acquires the microorganisms from the colostrum in the mare’s milk and from its environment. The bacteria within the gut form a vital part of the digestive process in hindgut fermenters such as equines.

Composition
The composition of the gut bacteria varies in different regions of the intestine and is dependent on factors such as pH. The rear section of the gut has large numbers of anaerobic bacteria and the caecum in particular is favourable for the growth of anaerobes such as clostridia and bacteroides.

Role
The microflora forms a symbiotic relationship with the host and aids digestion by producing various enzymes, which are involved in the break down of large feed particles such as cellulose. By facilitating the digestion of these particles, the gut microflora enables the horse to fully digest its feed and to extract the most nutritional value.

The bacteria in the gut can also stimulate an immune response.

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