Organic matter in the context of equine health refers to decomposed plant and animal material found in soil, which contributes to nutrient availability and soil structure. It plays a role in maintaining pasture quality, which directly impacts the diet and overall health of horses. Organic matter influences soil water retention, aeration, and microbial activity, all of which are important for the growth of forage consumed by horses. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the composition, benefits, and management of organic matter in equine environments, as well as its implications for horse nutrition and health.
Bachmann M, Bochnia M, Wensch-Dorendorf M, Glatter M, Schäfer S, Simroth K, Greef JM, Zeyner A.Feed intake and digestibility are important indicators for sufficient nutrient supply, but they can be assessed only to a limited extent in horses on pasture. In horses, feed intake is embedded in a complex behavioural pattern of searching, selecting, chewing and almost constant movement called foraging. The objectives of this study were to estimate organic matter intake (OMI) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) in six horses, 24 h/day on pasture, based on plant alkanes and synthetic n-hexatriacontane (C) excretion. A multi-compartmental model was fitted to the marker excretion and the C m...
