The equine gastrointestinal tract is coated in a protective layer of mucus. Nevertheless, acids and enzymes take a toll on the enterocytes (absorptive cells responsible for nutrient uptake and pathogen defense) lining the intestinal wall. To remain healthy the intestinal lining relies on continuous cell division, the entire epithelial lining being replaced every three days. Such cell division in not only necessary for ongoing maintenance, but is critical for repairing damaged tissue, including ulcers. Nucleotides play a vital role in this process. Supplementing with dietary nucleotides has been shown to increase the maturity and growth of normal enterocytes, improve the efficiency of cell repair and increase mucosal thickness thereby optimizing the natural protective mechanisms of the mucosal lining, helping to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.