Fatty acid profiles of the plasma and follicular fluid mares fed a combination of linseed and salmon oil.

The study investigates the effect of diet supplementation with linseed oil on the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blood and ovarian follicular fluid of mares.

Research Methodology

• Six Mangalarga Marchador mares were selected for the experiment. They were housed on native pasture and assigned to the study.
• Following a switch over design, the mares were randomly selected to receive either a daily dose of 150 ml of vegetable oil, containing significant quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3), or no supplementation. The experiment was carried out in two replicates, meaning each treatment was repeated twice.
• Blood and follicular fluid samples were taken from the mares on the first day (D0) and every 30 days until the end of the 60-day supplementation period (D60).
• After the two-month period, the mares were switched across the treatments in a crossover style.

Research Findings

• Analysis of the plasma found that the concentration of linolenic acid, which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was higher in mares who received the oil supplement than in those who did not (P=0.006).
• A positive correlation was found between the concentration of linoleic acid in the plasma and the level of arachidonic acid in the follicular fluid (P=0.0106; r2=0.13). Both of these compounds are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Additionally, a positive correlation was noted between the level of alpha linolenic acid in the plasma and the level of EPA, another type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, in the follicular fluid (P=0.0004; r2=0.2544).

Conclusions

• Based on the data gathered, a low to moderate relationship was observed between the linseed-based oil supplement and the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blood and ovarian follicular fluid of the mares. This implies that the use of linseed-based oil supplementation in the diet can have an influence on the fatty acid profile in mares.