Complementary feeding stuff for broodmares and...
Fish oil
Description: Fish oils are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids that constitute the basis of their interesting properties. Essential fatty acids are so called because the body requires them for good health, but cannot manufacture them itself.
Description:
Fish oils are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids that constitute the basis of their interesting properties. Essential fatty acids are so called because the body requires them for good health, but cannot manufacture them itself. They must, therefore, be sourced from the horse’s diet. Fat is scarce in an equine’s natural foods and it might not seem natural to feed it to horses, but it has been proven that a horse must obtain «good fats» or «healing fats» in order to be healthy. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are good fats and fish oil is the best way to get them. Horses need to balance the omega-6 essential fatty acids that are abundant in grains and cereal by-products. Fatty acids make up cell membranes and are therefore involved in all processes in the body to some degree. The body needs both omega-3s and omega-6s as both have very different but important functions. Omega-3s suppress inflammation whereas omega-6s are pro-inflammatory. To function correctly the two must be in correct balance. If the body has too few omega-3s then it will use omega-6s to replace them, which can affect how the body functions. A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids can lead to inappropriate inflammatory responses in the body due to the fact that they are pro-inflammatory and without the balancing effect of the omega-3s inflammation suppressing properties. Inappropriate inflammatory responses in horses can be seen in arthritis, allergic reactions, laminitis and exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) in high performance horses.
Properties:
• Reduces the risk of laminitis, endotoxemia, and muscle injury
• Increases the production of stomach’s mucus (protecting it from acidity)
• Provides fats that muscles can burn for fuel. When muscles burn fat, they don’t have to burn sugar without oxygen, creating the lactic acid «burn» that can limit race performance
• Helps the liver and muscles store glycogen fuel, increasing endurance and staying power in a race
• May help to prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH)
• Promotes a healthy, glossy coat, keep hooves healthy
• Boosts the horse’s immune system • Good for respiratory system • Maintains supple joints • Repairs & maintains cellular walls • Aids wound healing • Supports a healthy heart and blood circulation • Has anti-allergic properties (e.g. against flies and other insects) • Improving fertility in stallions and mares.
Possible uses:
Uses are multiple! If you want to reach performance with your horse (competition, reproduction) overall if grass access is restricted, fish oil supplementation would be really beneficial. Moreover, any horse with poor coat or hooves, joint impairments or body wounds can benefit from fish oil supplement.