Colon

In horses, the large intestine comprises the appendix, the colon and the rectum. The appendix and colon are the most important fermentation chambers for breaking down all plant structural substances.

The colon flora (microbes) in the colon consists of various bacterial strains, but also protozoa and fungi. In addition to the important volatile fatty acids, the intact colon flora also produces lactic acid, gases and larger quantities of B vitamins, among other things.

Depending on which undigested nutrients arrive in the large intestine, such as starch, the pH value in the gut changes and certain microbes are favoured or inhibited. If defective fermentation or acidosis occurs, colic or laminitis can result.