Colic is a common digestive disorder in horses. It is caused by both nutritional and other factors. Often the cause of colic is due to improper nutrition, which does not fully
correspond to the evolutionary adaptations of the gastrointestinal tract and digestion. The aim of this thesis is to describe the nutritional causes of the occurrence of colic. The causes are generally: incorrect proportions and amounts between forage and concentrate feed or between fiber and starch, incorrect grazing and feeding methods, the wrong
amount of water and salt, contamination of the feed with microorganisms, soil or sand, or the consumption of toxic plants and herbs. The cause of colic can be successfully
prevented by feeding impeccable and high quality feed, as well as an adequate amount of concentrat feed, which can upset the balance of the digestive system if the amount is
not correct. It is also necessary to allow horses to graze regularly, as they need exercise and social contact with other animals, and the intake of small portions throughout the day must be encouraged. To prevent colic, it is also important that changes in feeding technique and habits are made gradually and at longer intervals to allow the animal to adapt. A very important factor is also to allow the animal access to fresh drinking water and salt.
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