Research reveals that omega-3 fatty acids support optimal performance and overall wellness in horses

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General findings:

• Both the quantity and type of omega-3 acids and the ratio of 6 to 3 influence how beneficial they are to overall wellness

• When increased levels of omega-3 acids are provided in the diet, the blood plasma and red blood cell (RBC) levels increase accordingly, indicating orally administered omega fatty acids are well absorbed in the horse

• Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in many systems within the body, including the inflammatory process, cardiovascular system, nervous system, bone development, reproductive system, and immune function

• Horses supplemented with EPA and DHA show an earlier inflammatory response, which may be advantageous in fighting infections

• Supplementation with omega-3 has shown a positive effect in mitigating allergic reactions, including skin allergies and seasonal pruritis (sweet itch)

Findings in stallions and broodmares:

• The omega-3 fatty acid DHA has a positive effect on both sperm output and quality; it also affects the sperm’s cell membrane so it is better able to withstand cooling and freezing

• Mares consuming diets high in omega-3 also have colostrum and milk with elevated levels; foals whose dams have been fed a diet rich in omega-3 have elevated serum levels of the nutrient, which support a stronger immune system

• Research in other animals has shown a positive effect in increasing conception rates and reducing reproductive problems; this combined with anecdotal evidence suggests supplementation of mares’ diets with omega-3 may be beneficial in maintaining high conception rates and reducing reproductive problems

Findings in performance and racehorses:

• Studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to be beneficial in increasing stride length, indicating they play a role in maintaining joint health

• Research has also shown that horses supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources exhibit a reduced inflammatory response to exercise

• Studies are ongoing looking at the possible benefits of supplementation with omega-3 in decreasing exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), commonly referred to as “bleeding” in performance horses

References

O’Neill, W., McKee, S., & Clarke, A.F. (2002). Flaxseed supplementation associated with reduced skin test lesional area in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity. The Canadian Journal Veterinary Research, 66(4), 272-277.

Woodward, A.D., Nielsen, B.D., O’Connor, C.I., Webel, S.K. & Orth, M.W. (2005). Dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids increase plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentration and trot stride length in horses. In: Proc: 19th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., p. 101-106.

K.R. Wilson et al. (2003). Alteration in the inflammatory response in athletic horses fed diets containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. 18th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Symposium, 20-23.

Brinsko, S.P., Varner, D.D., Love, C.L., Blanchard, T.L., Day, B.C. & Wilson, M.E. (2005). Effect of feeding a DHA enriched nutraceutical on the quality of fresh, cooled and frozen stallion semen. Theriogenology, 63.

Harris, M.A., Baumgard, L.H., Arns, M.J. & Webel, S.K. (2005). Stallion spermatozoa membrane phosphlipids dynamics following n-3 supplementation. An. Reprod Sci. 89:275.

Manhart, D.R., Scott, B. D., Eller, E.M., Honnas, C.M., Hood, D.M., Coverdale, J.A. & Gibbs, P.G. (2007). Effect of n-3 pufas on markers of inflammation in arthritic horses. In: Proc: 20th Equine Sci. Soc. Symp., p. 11-12.