A study published in 2020 suggests that horses may exhibit rapid microbial community responses to dietary changes within the first few days. Specifically, the findings indicate that significant differences in microbial community structure were observed during the first 3 days after the abrupt dietary change. This suggests that horses may begin to adapt to new forage selections within a relatively short time frame, particularly in terms of compositional adaptation (alterations in structure) of gut microbiota.
(more…)Unlocking Your Horse’s Sensory World: The Importance of Novel Scents
When was the last time you stopped to consider your horse’s sense of smell?
In the bustling world of equine care, we often focus on the basics – food, shelter, exercise – without delving into the intricate sensory experiences our equine companions crave. Horses, with their remarkable olfactory abilities, are more sensitive to scents than we might imagine.
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