strange one-horse eating dropping-

[Marilyn]

Just been out in the field with my horses, one went to the toilet and the other one ate about two droppings and then went back to eating her grass?! They were wormed last week, live out 24/7, are in excellent health and I have no idea why this has happened- it has never happened before? I was wondering if the worming of last week might have affected her gut flora or she might be deficient in something...any ideas or experiences please?!

 

[Shilasdair]

I suspect, as you say that your horse is trying to repopulate its gut with the correct bacteria.
Try giving them both some probiotics.
S

 

[Marilyn]

they have a pro biotic feed balancer (equimins probio) but should i give them a top up with something more concentrated like a protexin tube or something?

 

[Spottyappy]

My horse also eats droppings.His own and that of his heard leader. I spoke to a few supplement companies, and it does seem to be caused by a submission thing to the leader, but a vitimin or trace element deficiency to eat his own.Was advised to feed supplement, opted for NAF's oilavite, and touch wood, he no longer does it- unless I stop the oilavite!

Hope this helps.

 

[Shilasdair]

[ QUOTE ]
they have a pro biotic feed balancer (equimins probio) but should i give them a top up with something more concentrated like a protexin tube or something?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I would if I were you, and repeat each time you worm them (wormer can kill off the gut bacteria).
S

 

[Donkeymad]

This is very common and, as said, is simply the horse trying to maintain a correct bacteria balance in the gut.

 

[Marilyn]

Brill, thank you!

 

[kellyeaton]

sounds like this horse his eating the poo to try and get good bacterica in its own stomach try a course of pink powder!