Fish Oil Boosts Fertility
With a short breeding season and many stallions having large books of mares, there is
pressure to get the mare in foal on the 1st cover and this leads to interest in nutritional
supplements which can aid fertility.
Recent research has shown benefits in supplementing sub fertile stallions with long chain
omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil sources. Several studies have concluded that stallions with
poor sperm survival and motility, can benefit from added long chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA
and DHA from fish oil.
Positive results have included increased progressive motility,
increased % morphologically normal sperm and even increased sperm output. It’s been
shown that supplementation with fish oil increases the levels of DHA and EPA in sperm cell
membranes, and this helps protect against cold shock.
Sub fertile mares also benefit from feeding fish oil too! Research has shown it can reduce
prostaglandin secretion in the uterus and suppress post breeding inflammation and fluid
accumulation, and this may increase conception rate or reduce early embryonic loss.
In a recent study at the University of Illinois, 46 Thoroughbred mares were divided between a
control group and a group fed 60ml fish oil. After 60 days, the mares had a significantly
higher mean per cycle pregnancy rate of 1.19 compared to the control group at 1.59. Other
research has shown mares fed long chain omega 3 fatty acids have better endometrial
biopsy scores, upregulation of important endometrial and embryonic genes and faster
involution of the uterus after foaling. One other application is mares prone to or with
placentitis where fish oil supplementation is being used to help moderate inflammation, and
help the mare maintain a viable pregnancy.
EO-3 is a stable, deodorized and flavoured fish oil supplement which is research proven to
boost blood and tissue levels of EPA and DHA, and increase anti-inflammatory activity in
horses.
Short chain Omega 3 oils such as those based on linseed oil do not have the same
ability to boost EPA and DHA levels, so remember that “Oils ain’t Oils”.
When it comes to choosing an omega-3 supplement, select one made from marine-derived ingredients,
not plants, researchers say.
Because the health benefits of omega-3 supplementation are irrefutable, popularity of supplements that
feature long-chain fatty acids has skyrocketed. Is there really a difference between marine and plant
sources of omega-3s, though?
Before that can be answered, certain facts about omega-3 fatty acids must be understood.
Omega-3s
are essential in the diet, meaning the body cannot make its own. There are three main forms of omega-
3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). ALA can be
converted into DHA and EPA, but the process is inefficient in horses, as a recent study at Kentucky
Equine Research revealed.
For this reason, a high-quality source of DHA and EPA—rather than ALA—is
essential when looking for products that tout omega-3s.
Feedstuffs and supplements have varying levels of DHA and EPA. Those rich in DHA and EPA include
marine-derived sources such as certain fish, algae, and seaweed. While other feedstuffs have high levels
of ALA, particularly flaxseed and its derivatives, these are not direct sources of DHA and EPA and may be
less effective.
Kentucky Equine Research developed EO-3 using menhaden oil, from menhaden fish, a plentiful,
sustainable, low-mercury source of DHA and EPA.
The highly refined base oil and the minty apple
flavouring make for a palatable supplement suitable for all horses.
EO-3 is an excellent option for increasing EPA and DHA intake, especially for horses consuming high-
grain diets or for those who suffer from inflammatory conditions.
EPA and DHA are important for
managing inflammation and immune support, and helping to maintain a dietary balance of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids.
