The role of cellulase in a horse is to break down complex sugars found in plant cell walls, such as cellulose, into simpler sugars that the horse can use for energy. This process aids in the digestion of forage and hay, which are major components of a horse’s diet. By breaking down cellulose, cellulase helps the horse to extract energy from these plant-based feeds and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Horses produce amylase in their salivary glands and pancreas. When a horse eats, the salivary glands release amylase into the mouth, where it begins to break down complex sugars in the food. This process helps to pre-digest the food before it reaches the stomach and intestines, where the rest of the digestive process takes place. The pancreas also produces amylase, which is released into the small intestine to continue the process of breaking down complex sugars
We conducted this study at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The study was designed to look at the effect on the equine microbiome of pasturing horses on new grass and to determine whether supplementation with EquiNectar would alter the result.
