Transcript EQ Sci II * Digestive System

EQ Sci II – Digestive
System
OBJ. 3.01
Digestive System

The parts of the digestive system work
together to convert feed into a form
that can be used by the body for
maintenance, growth, and
reproduction. Parts include the
mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach,
intestines, anus, and associated
organs like the liver, teeth, pancreas,
and salivary glands
Digestive System

Rate of feed passage through the stomach (30 minutes to 2 hours) and
small intestine is very rapid so that any feed not digested and
absorbed in the small intestine passes on to the cecum and colon
within 2 to 4 hours.

Grinding or chopping decreases feed size which increases the rate of
passage but decreases the absorption of nutrients by equine.

It is easy to overwhelm the digestive capacity of the equine’s stomach
and small intestine with large amounts of concentrates, which if they
pass through to the cecum, becomes fermented and produce gas or
lactic acid causing colic or founder.
Digestive System

Mouth: Extends from the lips to the
pharynx. It is bounded on the
sides by the cheeks, above by the
hard palate, and below by the
tongue.
Digestive System

Pharynx: The muscular, somewhat funnel shaped tube from the back part
of the mouth to the esophagus that directs food and serves as an air
passage.

Esophagus: Extends from the pharynx down the left side of the neck
through the thoracic cavity and diaphragm to the stomach at an angle
which makes regurgitation possible.

Stomach: A U-shaped muscular sac at the front of the abdominal cavity
close to the diaphragm and makes up less than 10% of the total digestive
capacity for an adult equine.
Digestive System
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Small Intestine: A tube about 2” in
diameter and is the site of most
nutrient absorption but makes up
only 30% of the total digestive
capacity.
Digestive System
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Large Intestine: Consists of the cecum, large colon, small colon, rectum,
and anus

The cecum and colon make up 65% of the digestive system capacity
and are greatly enlarged to allow bacteria time to break down the
large quantities of cellulose from plant material

The small colon extends from the large colon to the rectum and is the
place where the balls of dung are formed. The contents are solid as
most of the moisture in the food is reabsorbed in this part of the large
intestine.
Digestion Video
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Click on the following link to watch a short video on equine digestion…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maWXVKI-gq4
Your Assignment…

Using the paint on the back table,
please create a model of the equine
digestive system. Trace the outline of a
horse on a sheet of pink paper and
then create your digestive tract.

Make sure to label all parts of the
system like the example on the right

Let me know if you have questions.
Example