1. Horse Digestive System Melissa Moser Topic # 3186B Caledonia High School Equine Science

2. Digestive System n Where large complex molecules broken down into simpler molecules n Long tube beginning with mouth and ending with the anus

3. Digestive Systems n Man & Pig have a simple stomach with an extensive intestinal system n Ruminants have a complex stomach with a simpler intestinal system n Horses & Rabbits have a simple stomach with an extensive intestinal system and an enlarged cecum

4. Digestive System of Horses

5. Digestive System n Mouth: “Prehension” tool (grasps food) n Salivary Glands secrete juices containing enzymes (digest food) n Chewing food breaks down also n Esophagus: muscular tube that connects mouth to stomach n Peristaltic Movement: sequential contraction of ringlike muscles n Reverse Peristalsis = blowing chunks

6. Digestive System n Small Intestine: long coiled tube connecting stomach to large intestine –rest of the digestion and absorbtion takes place here –surface covered with villi (surface area) n Large Intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum –absorbs water (makes feces more solid) –some vitamins & minerals absorbed here –Cecal Fermenters (Horse): similar to rumen

7. Digestive System n Accessory organs: n Pancreas secretes enzymes to break down fat n Liver (largest internal organ) secretes bile, which digests fats –also stores iron