Science & Equine

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Written by Debby Gudden
Posted in Nutrition

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Effect of housing on 24-hour gastric pH

Various risk factors for equine ulceration have been described, such as training, feeding routines, stable confinement, gender, temperament and transport. Housing has also been suggested as a risk factor for ulcer development in the equine stomach. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different housing situations on the gastric pH in the proximal and ventral stomach.

The authors concluded that the housing systems used for this study did not affect acid exposure both within the proximal and ventral stomach. However, this finding does not explain the increased risk of ulcer development and warrants further investigation.

 

Do you have experience with gastric ulcers?

How do you think this is best treated?

Expert opinion by Debby Gudden

Gastric ulceration in horses are a common problem and can be suffered by horses of all ages and types, particularly if they are fed high-concentrate diets with limited access to forage. Ulcers occur in the horse’s stomach when the digestive acids come in contact with the upper part of the stomach lining. Feral horses will graze for up to sixteen hours a day reducing the acidity by the forage passing through the stomach as well as by bicarbonate in the saliva that is produced as the horse chews. Any period without forage intake leads to increased gastric acidity and increases the risk of gastric ulceration. Training which includes fast work increases the risk of the acid splashing around, resulting in damage of the upper part of the stomach. Therefore, it is important to simulate the natural environment by providing as much fibre as possible, avoiding prolonged periods without forage and using low-starch feeds whenever possible.

> From: Husted et al., Equine Vet. J. 4 (2008) 337-341. All rights reserved to EVJ Ltd.. Click here for the online summary.

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