Download The benefits of feeding Omega

BENEFITS OF FEEDING OMEGA-3
FATTY ACIDS TO HORSES
Lizzie Drury MSc RNutr
The starting point to keep any horse healthy is to ensure a well balanced diet that is suited to that individual
horse, with forage, most importantly, forming the basis of the diet. The rest of the diet needs to ensure
suitable energy; quality protein; vitamin and mineral levels are available to keep the horse fit and healthy.
As research into nutrition continually moves forward there are now advances in feed and supplement
technology that bring to the shop’s shelves innovative ingredients that have been proven to help support
equine health and well-being.
There has been much talk about the benefits of essential fatty acids, in particular the omega-3 and 6 fatty
acids. The omega-3 family stems from alpha linolenic acid (ALA) while the omega-6 family originates from
linolenic acid (LA). These essential fatty acids must be balanced within the body in order for both to be
effective, and, although researchers have not yet pinpointed the optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega- 6 fatty
acids for horses, continuing research is revealing more information about the benefits of supplementing
horses with them.
Humans supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids have shown a reduction in inflammation from arthritis.
Researchers at Michigan State University theorised that, if the same effect was found in supplemented horses,
minimised discomfort might manifest itself as increased stride length amongst horses suffering from joint
stiffness.
To test this theory, they measured stride length at the walk and trot for 18 Arabian horses. The horses were
paired and all of the horses were fed a concentrate feed and Timothy hay. One horse in each group was
supplemented with fish oil while the other was supplemented with corn oil for a period of 75 days. The horses
were exercised five days a week under saddle or on a lunge line. At the end of the trial the horses
supplemented with the fish oil had higher plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids. There was no change in stride
length at the walk but horses supplemented with the fish oil tended to have an increased stride length at the
trot. The increased stride length in the trot suggests a decrease in inflammation, stiffness and joint pain
associated with movement.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have reported that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduced
joint inflammation in both yearlings and arthritic horses. Horses fed the omega-3 supplement had lower
synovial fluid white blood cell counts than those in the control group. Raised white blood cell counts are
indicative of local inflammation and arthritic horses will typically have a much higher number of white blood
cells than non arthritic horses. In this study, increased mobility in the supplemented arthritic horses was not
reported.
In humans, essential fatty acids are critical for proper visual development in infants, so one may presume that
this would also be the case for the foal. In adults, deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to impaired
vision and studies have also suggested that prolonged deficiencies may increase the risk of damage to the
retina. Essential fatty acids also play a role in helping eye fluids drain, which helps to regulate intraocular
pressure. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid may help to support and maintain normal eye health in
the horse.
Of all the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids, the one perhaps most relevant to the
performance horse industry is the positive effect on inflammation, specifically inflammation involved in
musculoskeletal disease. Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can help offset the inflammatory
response, but the response is not immediate. They must be supplemented for at least 28 days before they
have any effect on the inflammatory cascade.
Supplementation can help to support normal muscle function and recovery rates post exercise. Research is
also supporting the use of omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of a healthy immune system, which is
important for performance horses travelling on a regular basis, breeding stock and foals.
ESSENTIAL BALANCER is low in sugar, starch and calories and therefore suitable
for horses and ponies that are ‘good doers’ and in particular native breeds of
ponies. Dense in vitamins, minerals and quality protein sources, ESSENTIAL
BALANCER helps to maintain muscle tone and topline as well as supporting
optimum health and vitality.
A source of Omega 3 fatty acids helps to condition and shine the coat, creating a
picture of health inside and out.
Fibre: 7.2%
Oil 4.7%
Protein 26.1%
DE 11.7%
Starch 5.9%
SHAPE-UP™ is a low starch, high fibre mix designed to provide a balanced diet at low
intake levels, and to help maintain a normal, healthy metabolism. It can be used as a
calorie controlled ration for those prone to laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome or
Cushing's in order to meet micronutrient requirements without excess sugar,
calories and starch intake.
A source of Omega 3 fatty acids helps to condition and shine the coat, creating a
picture of health inside and out.
Fibre: 16%
Oil 6.5%
Protein 10%
DE 9.9%
Starch 8.3%
FOR A PERSONALISED FEEDING PLAN FOR YOUR HORSE OR PONY, PLEASE VISIT
WWW.SARACENHORSEFEEDS.COM AND COMPLETE OUR SIMPLE AND FREE FEED ADVICE FORM.
ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR QUALIFIED NUTRITIONISTS
FOR SOME IMMEDIATE ADVICE, PLEASE CALL OUR FEED ADVICE LINE ON 01622 718 487