Dietary fish oil supplementation affects serum fatty acid concentrations in horses.

This research article investigates the effects of supplementing horse diets with fish oil on their blood lipid characteristics, with the results indicating a significant influence, especially on fatty acid concentrations.

Study Design and Implementation

• The study involved thirteen horses bred from either the Thoroughbred or Standardbred breed. The researchers divided the horses into two groups: seven received fish oil supplementation, and six were given corn oil.
• The supplementation lasted 63 days and was dispensed on a daily basis at a rate of 324mg/kg of body weight. Each horse’s diet also included Timothy hay and a mixed-grain concentrate necessary for body weight maintenance. The oil (either corn or fish oil) was top-dressed on the concentrate.
• The horses received regular exercise five days per week throughout the study period.

Profiles of Oils and Fatty Acid Ratios

• The fish oil used in the supplementation contained 10.8% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 8% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are omega-3 fatty acids known for their potential health benefits.
• The n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio in the horse diets differed significantly between the two groups. The horses receiving corn oil had a ratio of approximately 3.6:1, while those on the fish oil diet had a lower ratio of about 1.4:1.

Study Findings

• Before the supplementation began, both groups of horses had similar serum fatty acid concentrations. However, after 63 days of supplementation, a considerable difference was observed.
• In horses receiving fish oil, there were increased concentrations of EPA, DHA, C22:0, C22:1, and C22:5 fatty acids. However, such an increase was not observed in horses that were given corn oil.
• Horses on fish oil exhibited a lower concentration of n-6 fatty acids and a higher concentration of n-3 fatty acids, resulting in a lower n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio after 63 days of supplementation.
• The serum cholesterol increased in horses on corn oil, but there was no such increase in those on fish oil. Additionally, by the end of the test period, the horses receiving fish oil showed lower serum triglycerides levels.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that supplementing a horse’s diet with fish oil for a period of 63 days significantly alters the fatty acid profile and blood lipid properties, especially when these horses are subject to regular exercise. This outcome underscores the potential value of using fish oil as a supplement in horses’ diets for health and performance benefits.