Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation increases levels in red blood cells and reduces the prevalence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers in exercised Thoroughbreds.

The article investigates the effect of supplementing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) on the prevalence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred horses in training. It was found that supplementation with LC-PUFAs increased levels of certain fatty acids in the red blood cells and reduced the incidence of severe ulcers.

Research Method

• The study involved 13 fit Thoroughbreds that were currently in training. Each horse was examined through gastroscopy to determine the presence and extent of squamous gastric ulcers, and their blood fatty acid composition was analyzed.
• This check was repeated after the horses had been given a three-month course of one of two types of supplementation: a blend of short-chain PUFAs, or a blend of long-chain PUFAs. These supplements consisted of various fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
• The evaluation of the horses’ health and blood composition was performed after the horses completed a predetermined exercise routine to simulate their regular training stress levels.

Results and Interpretation

• The results showed that long-chain PUFA supplementation was effective in raising the levels of GLA, DGLA (a derivative of GLA), arachidonic acid (AA), EPA, and DHA in the red blood cells of the horses. This was not the case for the short-chain PUFA supplementation.
• Furthermore, it was observed that horses that were given long-chain PUFA supplements exhibited a lower rate of severe ulcers when compared to those that were not supplemented or were given short-chain PUFA supplements.
• The research also found that lower levels of specific fatty acids (GLA, DGLA, AA, and EPA) in red blood cells were associated with severe squamous gastric ulceration, indicating these fatty acids might play a protective role against gastric ulcers.

Implications and Future Recommendations

• Based on these results, the supplementation of long-chain PUFAs in horses in training could potentially reduce the prevalence of severe squamous gastric ulcers, which are common in high-performance horses and a concern for their caretakers.
• However, before a definitive recommendation could be implemented, further exploration is suggested. Specifically, studies would need to assess the effects of different types of management methods and exercise intensities on the efficiency of LC-PUFA supplementation.