Variation in the concentration of long chain free fatty acids in equine plasma over 24 hours.

This research article examines the variation within a 24 hour period of the concentration of total and individual long chain free fatty acids in the plasma of horses who are normally fed. It found that different types of these fatty acids, including palmitic, linoleic, oleic, stearic and linolenic, made up over 90% of the total concentration, and most of the horses exhibited an early-morning increase in these fatty acids that was unrelated to feeding.

Research Methodology and Study Design

• The primary goal of the study was to analyze the variation in the concentration of long-chain free fatty acids (C > 14) in plasma of regularly fed horses within 24 hours.
• Plasma samples were gathered from 12 resting horses across three sessions (six in the first and three each in the second and third).
• The sampling sessions covered a complete day, capturing the possible fluctuations of fatty acids concentration within a 24-hour cycle.
• Individual long-chain free fatty acids and glucose were examined from these samples.

Findings on Predominant Free Fatty Acids

• The study identified that the major free fatty acids present during a normal feeding process were palmitic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, and linolenic.
• These fatty acids made up more than 90% of the total fatty acids concentration.
• Other found fatty acids included myristic and palmitoleic, but they constituted less than 5% of the total concentration.

Patterns in Fatty Acids Concentration

• An elemental finding of the research was that 10 out of the 12 horses exhibited an increase in free fatty acids concentration early in the morning, typically around 7 AM, irrespective of the feeding process.
• The mean concentration of total free fatty acids increased 4.5 times (ranging 2.0-8.5) between 4 AM and 10 AM with the predominant free fatty acids showing the largest spike.

Conclusion and Implications

• This research elucidates the possible within-day fluctuations in the concentration of long-chain free fatty acids in equine plasma.
• Understanding these patterns could contribute to identifying optimal feeding routines, managing equine metabolic disorders, or improving athletic performance in horses.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and influencing factors behind these observed patterns.