Herbivorous animals, such as equids and lagomorphs, are also capable of digesting cellulose through microbial fermentation. However, unlike ruminants, these species rely on fermentation processes occurring in the large intestine, rather than in the stomach.
Horses are classified as hindgut fermenters, possessing a single-chambered stomach but an enlarged cecum and colon that harbor a diverse microbial community. These microbes effectively degrade indigestible carbohydrates, such as cellulose, into volatile fatty acids that serve as a major energy source. Optimizing dietary fiber composition and maintaining a stable hindgut microbiota are critical considerations in feed formulation to enhance digestive efficiency and promote overall equine health.