Effects of dietary oils on the development of gastric ulcers in mares.

This study examined the effects of dietary oils on the development of gastric ulcers in horses. The results revealed that despite increased body weight and changes in stomach fluid chemistry, the dietary oils did not prevent the formation of gastric ulcers.

Research Methodology

• The research assesses the anti-ulcerogenic properties of three types of dietary oils: corn oil, refined rice bran oil, and crude rice bran oil.
• The experiment was conducted on eight healthy adult horses using a 4×4 Latin square randomized crossover design. This means each horse was subjected to all three oil treatments and a control group in random order, with each round lasting for 6 weeks and a 5-week washout interval in between.
• The protocol included administering 240mL water mixed with each specific oil daily for 6 weeks, and a 7-day alternating feed deprivation period was included between weeks 5 and 6.
• Daily Omeprazole, a medication used to reduce stomach acid and prevent ulcers, was given for the last 14 days of each washout period.
• In order to monitor the effects, endoscopic examinations of the horses’ stomachs were performed at the start, the 5th week, and at the end of the experiment i.e., 6th week. The ulcers were scored based on their number and severity.
• Gastric fluid was also collected at the start (0 week) and midway through the experiment (5 weeks) to evaluate any changes in the stomach environment.

Results

• The median body weight of the horses increased significantly, averaging a gain of 29 kg, during the course of the study. However, the increase in body weight did not show an impact on ulcer prevention.
• The pH of the gastric fluid significantly decreased over a period of 5 weeks, indicating an increase in stomach acidity.
• Similarly, the total volatile fatty acid concentration also significantly decreased with time. Volatile fatty acids are critical for maintaining the health of the stomach lining, so their decreasing concentration was concerning.
• Despite the different treatments with dietary oils and Omeprazole, there was a significant increase in the number and severity of nonglandular ulcers – ulcers located on the upper part of the stomach not protected by the glandular layer.
• The number and severity of nonglandular ulcers increased notably during the 7-day alternating feed deprivation period revealing that feed deprivation can significantly contribute to ulcer formation.
• No appreciable preventive effects were detected concerning the administered dietary oils. This concludes that these dietary oils did not prevent gastric ulcers from forming in the nonglandular portion of the horses’ stomach.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that the dietary oils (corn oil, refined rice bran oil, and crude rice bran oil) under study did not prevent the formation of gastric ulcers in the nonglandular portion of the horses’ stomachs.
• The study brings attention to the risks of feed deprivation contributing to ulcer formation in horses.
• Further research is suggested to explore other potential diet changes or supplements which could positively influence the prevention of gastric ulcers in horses.