manure odor

[Doc-t]

Thanks for this question, Lynn.

The odor and consistency of manure is a reflection of the microbiome of the gut. In any species, a solid consistency, brown color, and non-offensive odor represents a healthy gut microbiome. Free fecal water (the “squirts”) is an example of an inflamed hand gut. A strong and offensive odor also reflects this. Sometimes the color of the manure will reflect the diet; eating oat straw for forage will create yellow manure.

Manure is made mostly of dead microbes. The sugar and fat consumed as food will be converted into fuel for energy or, if it is not used, stored as glycogen or body fat for future use. Protein will be used to build things, or in some instances, converted into fuel. The differences in the food eaten is in how they affect the gut microbes. It is their reaction to the foods available that affect their health, and consequently their output in the manure.

Another way of looking at this is to look at the energy flux equation: Food in equals energy stored or used. However, it is the machinery converting the foods into fuels or storage that are reflected in the output; like the smoke from the smokestack of a factory. All food that enters the mouth and is not used or stored is removed via the breath as CO2 and H2O, with H2O also removed in the urine. The manure is the sludge from the factory workers, not the food, unless it is a toxin. Those are removed in diarrhea.

Doc T

[Lynne]

Thanks for response. The injured horse had one pile yesterday that stank horribly and was ever so slightly loose. Today’s manure all seemed fine. He is doing well but I think you are right, I have a six month recovery to get 100% recovery. He turns on this leg very cautiously. I and he is fortunate to say the least. I have more questions but will hold off until I do more of the courses.