Identify the parts and functions of the digestive system.

Identification should include

  • distinguishing among the sizes and capacities of parts of the digestive system
  • defining prehension, mastication, and deglutition
  • listing steps in the digestive process
  • differentiating among species
  • listing common equine digestive disorders.

Process/Skill Questions: 

  • How does the digestive system of a horse differ from that of a cow?
  • What happens to feed in the mouth of a horse? How does this differ from the way a ruminant feeds?
  • Why can a horse eat without getting full?
  • How often do horses eat in nature?
  • How often should horses defecate throughout the day?
  • What is colic, and what are its causes?
  • How often should a horse eat?

Teacher Resources: