FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erin Ryder Hsu
ehsu@ker.com
888-873-1988 ex. 42
Use Omega-3s to Maximize Potential of Breeding Stock
Monday, October 31, 2016—Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits to horses. One advantage that owners may not be aware of, and therefore may not take advantage of, involves breeding stock. Broodmares and stallions alike should consume omega-3s in their diet to support optimal fertility.
For broodmares, omega-3 fatty acids benefit not only the mare but also her foal. Studies have shown improved fertility, enhanced colostrum quality, and increased passive transfer of antibodies. Fish oils are direct sources of the most biological active omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), so it is important to choose a supplement derived from a marine source, such as EO•3™ from Kentucky Equine Research (KER).
As for stallions, semen contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These components are important in sperm motility, sensitivity to cold shock, and fertilization capacity. Stallions supplemented with the omega-3 fatty acids found in EO•3 have shown increases in sperm concentration, motility, and viability. These changes were most evident in semen that had been cooled and stored for 48 hours. Other results were sperm concentrations that were almost doubled in supplemented stallions, and better sperm motility in frozen-thawed semen.
Any breeding farm that would like to support optimal fertility in their breeding stock should consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to their horses’ diets. Keep in mind that fish oil will encourage better results than plant-based sources, since it is a direct source of DHA and EPA. Add EO•3 to a broodmare or stallion’s diet at least sixty days prior to breeding season to support prime fertility.
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Kentucky Equine Research (KER) is an international equine nutrition, research and consultation company serving both the horse producer and the feed industry. Its goal is to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology and apply this knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses. For more information, see www.ker.com or call 888-873-1988.
Welactin Equine is an easy to deliver peppermint flavored liquid providing a rich source of long chain Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, derived from cold-water fish, to support skin and coat plus overall equine wellness. Welactin Equine has been refined for quality and purity.
How can Welactin Equine help my horse?
The benefits of Welactin Equine go beyond just skin and coat. Long chain Omega-3 fatty acids support many systems in the body including immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular, as well as supporting healthy joint function. Specific benefits have been noted to the reproductive health and fitness of breeding stallions and gestating/lactating mares. Research has shown that supplementation of horses in training may support the metabolism of energy, as well as maintain healthy blood flow and transport of oxygen during exercise.
Fish Oil vs Plant-Based Products
Fatty acids derived from plant based sources such as soy, corn, flax, and rice bran contain Omega-6 and/or short chain Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are considered to be pro-inflammatory. The short chain Omega-3 fatty acids provided in plant-based products can be converted in the body to the more beneficial long chain Omega-3 fatty acids, but the conversion process is inefficient in horses. Therefore, it is more beneficial to directly provide long chain Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet via Welactin Equine.
If your veterinarian recommends an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement for your horse, ask for
Welactin Equine!
