A HORSE'S HINDGUT MICROBIOME
The hindgut digestive system is entirely different from that of the small intestine
HINDGUT BACTERIA
There are 3 major categories of bacteria involved in hindgut fermentation
Cellulolytic bacteria
This group ferments fibrous materials
Amylolytic bacteria
- This group ferments starch should it reach the hindgut
- Produces lactic acid
- Lowers pH (makes more acidic) of hindgut leading to hindgut acidosis
Lactate-Utilising bacteria
This group converts lactate, when present, to propionate
HOW STARCH CAN AFFECT THE HINDGUT BACTERIA
When excess starch reaches the hindgut amylolytic bacteria can proliferate
- As amylolytic bacteria increase presence of lactic acid the pH drops in the hindgut (becomes more acidic)
- When the pH drops significantly, growth of lactate utilising bacteria decreases and so the hindgut’s normal mechanism for processing lactic acid is impaired
- The hindgut will become even more acidic as lactic acid accumulates