The [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]] begins at the [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]], and includes the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]], the [[Rectum - Anatomy & Physiology|rectum]] and the [[Anus - Anatomy & Physiology|anus]]. Water, electrolytes and nutrients are absorbed which concentrates the ingesta into faeces. There is no secretion of enzymes and any digestion that takes place is carried out by microbes. All species have a large microbial population living in the large intestine, which is of particular importance to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|hindgut fermenters]] such as the horse. For this reason, hindgut fermenters have a more complex large intestine with highly specialised regions for fermentation. The volatile fatty acid products of microbial fermentation are absorbed in the colon. | The [[Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|large intestine]] begins at the [[Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology|caecum]], and includes the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]], the [[Rectum - Anatomy & Physiology|rectum]] and the [[Anus - Anatomy & Physiology|anus]]. Water, electrolytes and nutrients are absorbed which concentrates the ingesta into faeces. There is no secretion of enzymes and any digestion that takes place is carried out by microbes. All species have a large microbial population living in the large intestine, which is of particular importance to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|hindgut fermenters]] such as the horse. For this reason, hindgut fermenters have a more complex large intestine with highly specialised regions for fermentation. The volatile fatty acid products of microbial fermentation are absorbed in the colon. |