The large intestine is made up of 2 parts. The first is the cecum. Anything that is not digested in the small intestine pass through to the cecum where it ferments. This fermented food produces fatty acids which are important nutrients for the horse. It then moves on to the 2nd part of the large intestine, the colon. What is not absorbed by the cecum will be broken down further and any leftovers are absorbed in the colon. Everything left over is passed out as waste.
Microorganisms in rabbits and horses primarily digest fiber in the cecum and colon. These organs contain a diverse population of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that ferment fiber-rich plant material, breaking it down into nutrients that can be absorbed by the host animal. This process is essential for extracting energy from the cellulose and hemicellulose found in the diets of these herbivores.
In ruminants, fibrous feed components, particularly cellulose and hemicellulose found in plant cell walls, are most effectively digested by fermentation in the rumen. This fermentation process is facilitated by a diverse population of microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, which break down these complex carbohydrates into simpler compounds. In the cecum of non-ruminant herbivores, such as horses, similar fermentation occurs, allowing for the digestion of fibrous materials. Overall, fiber is the key component that benefits from fermentation in both the rumen and cecum.
Fermentation in hindgut fermenters occurs in the cecum and colon, where bacterial fermentation processes break down plant fiber and produce volatile fatty acids that can be absorbed by the animal for energy.
Cecum
Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant foods. There are two types; soluble which is fermented in the colon into gases and active byproducts, and insoluble which is metabolically inert that absorbing water as it moves through the digestive system. Fiber isn't considered a nutrient since it can't be digested by humans.
Fiber primarily passes through the digestive system, starting in the stomach and moving into the small intestine, where it is minimally digested. It then enters the large intestine (colon), where it aids in bowel regularity and supports gut health. Ultimately, fiber is excreted from the body as part of feces.
colon
Fermentable
Fiber is the rough parts of some fruits, vegetables, and grains that cannot be digested.
It fluShe's out your colon and it also clears it out
It isn't completely digested and makes up the bulk of the feces in the colon.
to prevent colon cancer and helps keep the colon clean