J. Anim Sci.
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Published online first on January 11, 2008
J. Anim Sci. 1910. doi:10.2527/jas.2007-0682
© 2008 American Society of Animal Science
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J. Anim Sci., doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0682
©Copyright, 2008, The American Society of Animal Science

ARTICLE

Circulating fatty acid profiles in response to three levels of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses

S. S. King 1*, A. A. AbuGhazaleh 1, S. K. Webel 2, K. L. Jones 1

1 Department of Animal Science, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901
2 JBS United, Inc., Sheridan, Indiana

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: sking{at}siu.edu.


  Abstract

Fatty acids of the omega-3 type confer health benefits to humans and other species. Their importance to equine physiology could include improved exercise tolerance, decreased inflammation and improved reproductive function. The circulating fatty acid profile for the horse and the acquisition and washout of fatty acids in response to omega-3 supplementation were determined in the present study. A fatty acid supplement high in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docohexaenoic (DHA) acid was fed to deliver EPA plus DHA at 0 (control), 10, 20, or 40 g/d to 16 mares (n = 4/group) for 28 d. Plasma was collected at -11, 3, 7, 10, 16, 23, 30, 37, 44, 70, and 87 d relative to beginning of supplementation. Plasma was analyzed for the presence of 35 fatty acids by gas chromatography. Fatty acid concentrations were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measures. Plasma EPA and DHA increased (P < 0.05) in a dose-responsive manner by 3 d of feeding to reach peak concentrations by 7 d. Peak EPA and DHA concentrations from the 40 g/d supplement were approximately 13x and 10x control values, respectively. Plasma EPA and DHA demonstrated a steep decline (P < 0.05) from peak values by 9 d following cessation of feeding, and were near pre-supplementation values by 42 d. Omega-3 supplementation also increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of fatty acids C14:0, C17:1n7, C18:1t11, C18:3n6, C18:4n3, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, and C22:5n3, and decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of C18:1c9. Seasonal effects, apparently unrelated to supplementation and likely due to availability of fresh forage, were also noted. Unlike ruminants, there were no detectable concentrations of CLA in equine plasma. Results indicate that the circulating fatty acid mileu in horses can be influenced through targeted supplementation. Possible implications of increased omega-3 plasma and tissue concentrations on specific physiological function in the equine remain to be elucidated.

Key Words: docohexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, horse , omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids






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