Grazing:
* Selective Grazers: Horses are selective grazers, meaning they choose the most palatable and nutritious grasses and plants.
* Constant Nibblers: They graze for long periods, often 16-18 hours per day, taking small bites and moving slowly. This helps them efficiently digest the fibrous grasses.
* "Mowing" Action: Horses use their lower jaw and tongue to grab and pull grass, creating a characteristic "mowing" motion.
Feeding Habits:
* Non-Ruminants: Horses are non-ruminants, meaning they have a single stomach. They rely on a specialized digestive system to break down their food.
* Hindgut Fermenters: The majority of their digestion occurs in the hindgut, specifically the cecum and large colon, where bacteria help break down cellulose.
* Continuous Feeders: Horses are designed to eat small meals throughout the day, rather than large meals. This helps maintain their digestive health and prevents overeating.
* Coprophagy: Some horses, particularly foals, practice coprophagy, which involves consuming their own dung. This is a normal behavior in foals, as it helps them obtain essential bacteria needed for digestion.
Other Behaviors:
* Drinking: Horses drink frequently, especially during warm weather. They typically drink by lowering their head and scooping water with their tongue.
* Salt Licking: Horses need salt to regulate their bodily functions. They will often lick salt blocks or mineral licks.
* Food Defense: Horses can be territorial about their food, especially if they are hungry or in a herd setting.
Important Considerations:
* Dental Health: Horses have continuously growing teeth that need to be regularly checked and trimmed by a veterinarian to ensure they can eat properly.
* Diet: Horses need a balanced diet of high-quality hay, grass, and supplemental feed to maintain their health.
* Feeding Management: Proper feeding management, including feeding schedules and amount of food, is crucial for horses' well-being.
Understanding these feeding behaviors is essential for providing proper care and nutrition to horses. By being aware of their natural instincts and needs, we can ensure they have a healthy and happy life.