Aggressive, fizzy, or anxious behavior may be associated with gut pain or discomfort. Abnormal stereotypic behaviors such as wind sucking, crib biting and weaving have been associated with high starch, low forage diets and EGUS. Large starch meals may result in starch overspill into the hind gut with rapid fermentation and lowering the pH there. Hind gut acidity is thought to be a potential cause of gut pain or discomfort and potentially lead to aggressive or irritable behavior. Treating stomach ulcers, lowering starch intake, smaller meals more frequently, and increasing forage proportion in the ration may reduce the risk. In hot humid conditions when horses are sweating heavily, correcting any electrolyte deficits may help reduce nervousness and aggression.
