In horses, the cecum breaks down what material by microbial digestion?

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Prepare for the Animal Science 2 CFE Exam with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each query includes detailed explanations and hints. Boost your knowledge for success!

Multiple Choice

In horses, the cecum breaks down what material by microbial digestion?

Explanation:
The main idea is hindgut fermentation, where microbes in the cecum break down fibrous plant material that the horse’s own enzymes can’t digest. Plant cell walls are rich in cellulose, a tough carbohydrate that requires microbial cellulases to cleave the glucose chains. This microbial digestion produces volatile fatty acids that the horse can absorb and use for energy, making cellulose and other plant fibers a key energy source in a forage-based diet. Proteins, fats, and simple sugars are digested primarily earlier in the digestive tract, so they aren’t the primary products of cecal microbial digestion.

The main idea is hindgut fermentation, where microbes in the cecum break down fibrous plant material that the horse’s own enzymes can’t digest. Plant cell walls are rich in cellulose, a tough carbohydrate that requires microbial cellulases to cleave the glucose chains. This microbial digestion produces volatile fatty acids that the horse can absorb and use for energy, making cellulose and other plant fibers a key energy source in a forage-based diet. Proteins, fats, and simple sugars are digested primarily earlier in the digestive tract, so they aren’t the primary products of cecal microbial digestion.

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