Nitrogen Digestion in Different Segments of the Equine Digestive Tract1

Abstract

Three ponies were used in a replicated Latin square experiment to study the digestion of protein, supplied by corn, oats and barley, anterior and posterior to permanent cecal fistulas using chromic oxide indicator procedures. Apparent protein digestion anterior and posterior to the cecal fistulas averaged 11 and 40%, respectively. Overall digestibilities of proteins from the different grains were not significantly different. It is concluded that the cecum and colon are of major importance in protein digestion in the equine.