You've probably noticed lots of ads for omega-3 fat supplements for horses, usually containing flaxseed meal or oil, or fish oil. Studies in humans have found many health benefits with supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. While research benefits for horses have not been as numerous, the research with omega-3 supplementation for horses has also shown some healthy results. The following information is to provide you with an understanding of essential fatty acids and how you may improve the diet and health of your horse with their use.
Each molecule of fat or oil consists of three fatty acid molecules and one glycerol molecule. The horse needs a certain amount of fat in its diet, and all fats contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Horses require these two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the major ones are linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid).
These fats are termed essential fatty acids (EFA) because the horse's metabolism can't synthesize them; they must be consumed in the diet to be provided. Although the exact EFA requirements for horses have not been established, they have been demonstrated as necessary for all animals and humans for many normal body functions. Deficiency of EFA in humans and animals includes hair loss, skin problems and impaired immune function.
Pasture grasses and hay, although containing only 2% to 3% fat, have greater concentrations of omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids. Cereal grains, such as corn and oats, contain much higher levels of omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids in reference to their total fat content. Both rice bran and soybean oils are higher in omega-3 and lower in omega-6 content than corn oil. And oils from flax and canola seeds contain the largest amount of omega-3's, with higher levels of omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids.
Flaxseed oil is the most concentrated plant source of omega-3 fatty acids or alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA and LNA. Fish oil is the greatest source of omega-3 fatty acids, with the highest ratio of omega-3:omega-6, and contains the omega-3's eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Horses can convert ALA into DHA and EPA in their body tissues, which are used in various physiological functions, so these are not required.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are Critical for Good Health
The horse needs a balance of omega-3's and omega-6's to function at an optimal level, but the exact amounts or ratio of omega-3:omega-6 is not known. Research has focused on adding more omega-3's, which increases the dietary ratio of omega-3:omega-6 fatty acids in the equine diet.
Studies in horses have shown that high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammatory processes by increasing the formation of prostaglandins. And the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to horse diets has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes by decreasing prostaglandin formation. For example, a study with reining horses found that supplementation with soybean oil compared to corn oil had reduced inflammatory response when they were exercised.
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Since its beginning as Virginia Seed Service in 1923, Southern States has been at the forefront of agricultural advances throughout its 80 years in business. As a result of its leadership role in agriculture, Southern States has continued to expand and today encompasses some 1,200 retail locations in 23 states. Owned by more than 300,000 farmers, the cooperative purchases, manufactures or processes feed, seed, fertilizer, farm supplies and fuel. Visit them online at www.southernstates.com.
