The Horse’s Pancreas – Enzymes and Hormonal Balance
The pancreas (Pankreas) performs dual roles: it produces digestive enzymes for the intestines and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The enzymes protease, amylase, and lipase break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in the diet, allowing the intestinal lining to absorb them. At the same time, insulin and glucagon manage blood glucose levels. Today’s often energy-dense, imbalanced feeding practices put stress on the equine pancreas. This issue is made worse by the absence of bitter compounds in modern feed formulations. Bitter substances naturally stimulate the digestive organs, including the pancreas, and support its function.
Particularly effective as digestive regulators are:
• Bitter Haronga Bark (Harungana madagascariensis), used in EquiPankrem
• The HerbaVisceral blend of bitter herbs