Understanding how feeding management and diet composition influence digestion is crucial for keeping the horse healthy, although conducting such investigations can be challenging.

"Feeding order of forage and concentrate might affect gastric emptying and subsequently digestion in horses. The objective of this study was to measure gastric emptying in combination with metabolic and digestive responses in the plasma and cecum, respectively, when changing the feeding order of oats (O) and hay (H) (oats first, then hay: O-H vs. hay first, then oats: H-O)."

The objective of this study as noted above,was to measure gastric emptying in combination with metabolic and digestive responses in the plasms and cecum of horses, respectively, when changing the feeding order of oats and hay. Gastric emptying, digestion in the small intestine, and cecum of horses were evaluated.

Results from this study indicate that feeding order affected gastric emptying, and the digestive and metabolic responses were more clearly reflected in cecum pH than plasma glucose and insulin.

 Based on the results from this study and other relevant literature, it is recommended to feed forage before concentrate.

See the report and graphic information related to the study HERE

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Press release Healthflash - Equine Guelph