Hindgut Anatomy and Function Vary Greatly Among the Many Species of Veterinary Interest
All the variations in hindgut anatomy and function among the species are beyond the scope of this discussion, but you should remember that rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, swine, and some large birds, in addition to Equidae, depend on hindgut fermentation for a significant portion of their energy needs.
Also, ruminants have a reasonably extensive hindgut, and fermentative digestion occurs there, even after material has been through the rumen.Scientific understanding of colonic function in general is not as advanced as that of small-intestinal function. 'Γhis dichotomy probably exists because in humans, diseases of the small intestine are more frequent and severe than diseases of the colon. However, interest in colonic physiology and pathophysiology has increased among basic scientists and physicians. Veterinary physiologists have long been interested in colonic function and have become leaders in the exploration of this area.