Pegasus News & Nutrition: A Closer Look at Omega-3

Fats can be useful in the diet, providing a concentrated, low NSC energy source. Different types of fats can contribute different benefits to the diet. Here we take a look at Omega-3 fatty acids.

Different types of dietary fat (lipids)
In dietary terms, crude fat refers mostly to triglycerides. This is the main type of fat in the diet and consists of three fatty acid chains and a glyceride molecule. Triglycerides fall into two categories: saturated or unsaturated (mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated). A saturated fat molecule has no double bond, whilst mono-unsaturated fat has one double carbon, and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) has two double carbon bonds. Polyunsaturated fats are rich in two distinct groups – Omega-3 and Omega-6. The first double bond is located at the 3rd carbon for Omega-3, and the first double bond is located at the 6th carbon for Omega-6.

Understanding Omegas
Whilst the location of the first double bond determines whether the fat is Omega-3 or Omega-6, chain length further differentiates PUFAs. Short-chain PUFAs contain 18 carbons, whereas long-chain contain 20-22 carbons. The Omega-3 group stems from the short-chain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), whilst the base of the Omega-6 group is the short-chain linoleic acid (LA). These fatty acids cannot be manufactured in the body and must be obtained from feed. In equine nutrition, we are particularly interested in long-chain Omega-3s; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Short-chain PUFA (ALA and LA) can go through a process of elongation in the gut to form long-chain Omega-3 (EPA and DHA), however, this process appears inefficient in the horse. Therefore, feeding a source of long-chain fatty acids directly has more benefit.

In terms of dietary sources, EPA and DHA are found almost exclusively in fish and fish oil. On the other hand, ALA is found predominantly in plant-based sources – more traditional components of equine diets.

ALA and LA are essential fatty acids and are good for energy. However, EPA and DHA are important for all types of tissue composition, particularly cell membrane fluidity and structure. It is well documented that long-chain Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) also play a role in inflammation mediation to help regulate and resolve inflammation.

Benefits of Omega-3
Horse owners now widely embrace the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids can help manage conditions such as airway inflammation, arthritis, and poor semen quality in stallions. They have also been found helpful in managing skin conditions and other inflammation-related diseases such as equine gastric glandular ulcers. When choosing an Omega-3 supplement, remember that source does matter. E0.3 is a palatable, deodorised fish oil specially prepared for equine diets that provides a rich source of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids.
For more information about feeding programs utilising fats or addressing inflammatory conditions, contact our Equine Nutrition Advisor, Michelle Meylan.

Source and further reading: https://ker.com/equinews/fish-oils-and-omega-3s-source-matters/