Effect of Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) on Markers of Inflammation in Young Horses in Training

Abstract

Sixteen horses (2 to 4 yr; 357 to 439 kg BW) were utilized in a randomized complete block design for a 140 d trial to determine effect of omega 3 PUFAs (n-3) supplementation on markers of inflammation in young horses in training. Horses were fed treatments consisting of a control diet (n = 8) fed at 1% BW (as fed) or a treatment diet (n = 8) of concentrate fed at 0.75% BW (as fed) and 350 g of a marine n-3 supplement formulated to provide 15 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 20 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Body weight and body condition scores (BCS) were obtained biweekly and concentrate adjusted accordingly.Horses were exercised 5 d/wk by students in an equine training course. Type of activity and duration was monitored, along with heart rate to quantify workload.