Tri-Tronics^®, Inc.

P. O. Box 17660

Tucson, AZ  85731

support@tthorse.com

1-800-808-8423

ARTICLES & EDUCATION

Manure Eating Habit

It is completely normal and necessary for foals to eat manure but not adult horses. Foals are born without the bacteria that are necessary to digest fiber and cellulose in plant material. By eating fresh manure, the foal obtains these bacteria and is able to begin digesting the solid foods they are already nibbling on. It is important that foals are allowed free access to fresh manure.

Occasionally an adult horse will eat manure and while it does not particularly hurt the horse it is undesirable to most owners. These horses usually picked up this habit initially from boredom. They may have been confined, isolated from other horses or have experienced any number of other stress factors including limited access to high fiber feeds. For more detailed information on factors that contribute to a horse developing a bad habit, please see our Factors page. Even though it is unlikely, it is still important to have a veterinarian rule out any nutritional deficiency.

Once these horses have begun to eat manure, many will continue to do so even if their environment is improved and the conditions that originally made them begin the habit are removed. The ViceBreaker^® when used at the lower levels, will quickly convince the horse to enjoy his new environment and feed, and leave the manure alone.