Dung is crucial!

Droppings are often tedious to collect, but it's always important to take the time to analyze them.

General information on horse droppings:

A horse produces an average of 15 kilos of droppings per day in 6 to 8 droppings.
Droppings take about 15 seconds.
The frequency and nature of droppings vary according to the horse's age, sex, physical activity and diet.
Coprophagia may result from boredom or stress, rather than from nutritional deficiency.
Normal signs of droppings:

Droppings should be well-formed, without whole feed.
Color is generally uniform, green/brown, with minimal odor.
Variations may be due to elements such as beet pulp or oil.
Abnormal signs to watch out for:

Dry dung may indicate lack of fiber, dental problems or lack of water.
Diarrhea may indicate fermentative overactivity or various underlying problems.
Clear, liquid manure may be the result of excess grain, requiring rapid intervention.
Granular droppings may indicate sand/soil ingestion, increasing the risk of colic.
Unusual colors, such as red or black, may indicate serious health problems.
Other points to consider:

Manure is only one indicator of a horse's health.
Daily activity, coat appearance, intestinal sounds, breathing, feet, hydration, urine, body temperature and heart rate are also elements to be monitored.
Dung and parasites:

80-90% of parasites are found in the horse's environment, underlining the importance of environmental management.
Regular manure collection and harrowing of pastures are strategies for cutting the cycle of parasite infestation.
Manure and biodiversity:

Manure serves as food and a breeding ground for various species of wild flora and fauna.
Excessive use of chemicals, particularly deworming products, can affect biodiversity by disturbing coprophagous insects.
In conclusion, the condition of dung can provide crucial indications of the horse's overall health, and proper care, including environmental management and judicious use of chemicals, is essential to maintaining health and biodiversity.

Read the full article on Demi-Volte Face here!

Notes: The information available on this page, which comes from external sources, does not guarantee that it is free from errors, nor does it guarantee its completeness, topicality, exhaustiveness or otherwise.
Consequently, it is the responsibility of the Internet user to use the information on the website at his or her own risk, and to check it at his or her own risk.
The Horse Remedy. website cannot be held responsible for any interpretation made by Internet users of the information and advice provided on its blog, and for any consequences that may arise from such interpretation.
We offer information with the sole aim of promoting and improving your pet's natural health. In Belgium, the law stipulates that it is the sole responsibility of a veterinarian to make a medical diagnosis and prescribe medical treatment.