by Alexandra Beckstett.   www.thehorse.com   October 1, 2010

There is much debate surrounding the use of supplements in equine diets, but adding fish oil to a horse’s feed to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake can have a positive effect on exercising horses’ health and endurance, according to Kyle Newman, PhD of Venture Laboratories.  Newman presented a study on the subject at  the Veterinary Sport Horse Symposium for horse owners, held September 22-24 in Lexington, KY.

According to Newman, omega-3 fatty acids’ effects on equine health include “increased vascular compliance, anti-hypertensive properties (lower blood pressure), inhibited production of cytokines (immunoregulatory proteins) involved in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease, positive effects on fetal development, and improved semen quality.”

During his presentation, Newman focused specifically on how the fatty acid fish oil might benefit sport horses.  He cited a study conducted by C.I. O’Connor et al. in 2004 that involved 10 mature geldings on an eight-week exercise program.  Four horses were supplemented with corn oil and six were supplemented with fish oil at 180 g/day (which delivered approximately 30g/day of omega-3 fatty acids).  Researchers then measured and compared the heart rates, packed cell volume (the amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream), insulin concentrations, plasma glucose, and serum cholesterol concentrations of the two groups of horses.

Significant results included:

-          the heart rate of horses exercising on a treadmill were lower with fish oil than with corn oil.  “This is important to consider with endurance horses,” said Newman.

-          Insulin, plasma glucose, and serum cholesterol levels all were lower in horses fed fish oil.

According to Newman, fish oil is a safe and natural supplement to help improve the endurance of sport horses.  However, he said, “The cons are that a horse might refuse to eat the fish oil (due to smell and palatability), and it is also expensive.”

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Sea Pet Omega-3 Fish Oil for Horses is peppermint flavored.    Horses love the taste.