Appendix
After the food pulp has passed through the small intestine, it reaches the large intestine, or more precisely the first section of the large intestine – also known as the caecum. The caecum and the next section of the large intestine (colon) act as fermentation chambers, as this is where the main microbial digestion of dietary fibres takes place in horses (see Microbes). This is why, unlike in humans, the appendix is vital for horses and cannot simply be removed surgically.