Equine Digestion The digestion of equines is different from the digestive systems of other livestock animals. Equines are considered modified monogastrics, which means that they have a stomach with a single compartment, but also have a special compartment in their intestine called the cecum, which helps them digest roughages, Figure 10-32. The cecum is a pouch-like area found at the beginning of the large intestine, where digestive microbes are housed to break down roughages. Maintaining Herd Health There are some special considerations that equine producers need to take to ensure that their equine animals remain in good health. Keep the following things in mind when raising and training horses: „ Maintaining current and complete immunizations is important for all horses, especially those who will be in contact with other horses at shows and rodeos. „ Some equine diseases are transmitted by flies and mosquitoes. Establish Forehead Face Bridge of nose Nostril Muzzle Upper lip Lower lip Under lip Throat latch Point of shoulder Chest Arm Elbow Forearm Knee Hoof Ankle Cannon Fetlock Hock Gaskin Buttock Croup Point of hip Loin Back Crest Poll Neck Shoulder Barrel Girth Thigh Flank Withers Coronet Abdomen Stifle joint Pastern Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 10-31. Understanding the parts of the external anatomy is an important part of being able to talk about correct conformation of horses. Can you name all the parts of this horse? After studying the image, visit www.g-wlearning.com to test your knowledge. Esophagus (4.59 long) Stomach (2–4 gallons) Small intestine (709 long) Small colon (109–129 long) Rectum (19 long) Large colon (109–129 long) Cecum (49 long) Anus Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 10-32. Horses only have one compartment to their stomach. In order to allow them to digest roughages, they have evolved an enlarged cecum. The cecum works similar to the rumen in ruminant animals and is in the same basic place on their digestive system as your appendix is on yours. After studying the image, visit www.g-wlearning.com to test your knowledge. Chapter 10 Large-Animal Production 549 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.