Feeding behavior.

The research discusses the different issues related to horses’ eating habits which include eating too much, eating too little or consuming strange food items. It also talks about the underlying causes and potential solutions, also depicting the connection of these feeding issues to diseases and the environment.

Feed Underconsumption in Horses

• The research identifies two broad categories under which horses may consume insufficient feed: anorexia and hypophagia.
• Anorexia in horses may be caused by a variety of diseases and can be solved by addressing these underlying causes which may include pain or fever. Stimulation of appetite through physical or chemical means can also be effective.
• Hypophagia, which can be caused by poor dental health, disease, or stress, can also be managed by eliminating these causes or stimulating food intake physically or chemically.

Feed Overconsumption in Horses

• This study indicates that both acute and chronic overconsumption of feeds can stem from normal or dysfunctional feeding control in horses. The only trustworthy prevention, according to the research, is to limit the access of horses to food.

Abnormal Consumption Habits

• Abnormal eating practices such as pica, or eating non-food items, or coprophagy, or eating feces, are typically triggered by dietary imbalance or boredom. However, coprophagy is a normal behavior in young foals.

Drinking Disorders in Horses

• The study also touches up on drinking problems, however, stating they are rare. The most common issue is the refusal to drink “strange” or unfamiliar water.
• The research suggests a solution in which water at the horse’s home is flavored with distinct substances like peppermint or vinegar, this may help the horse to accept water from different sources by adding the “home” flavor to it.