E0-3
Rich Source of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Kentucky Equine Research developed EO•3, a
potent marine-derived oil that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. EO•3 is
a palatable oil that is top-dressed onto the feed. |
Because the advantages of feeding fat are
accepted almost universally by equine nutritionists, veterinarians, and
horsemen, scientists are delving deeper into how certain fats help
horses. Researchers have focused much of their attention on omega-3
fatty acids and the relationship between them and omega-6 fatty acids.
The two types of fatty acids must be balanced within the body in order
for both to be effective. Horses are often fed diets composed entirely
of grain mixes and hay. Such diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids but
extremely low in omega-3 fatty acids. If vegetable oil is added to the
ration, it further skews the ratio, with omega-6 fatty acids being
overrepresented. To help counteract this imbalance, horses should be
supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, the richest sources of which are
fish oils.
- EO-3 Contains an omega-3 concentration of
35%, more than most common fat supplements
- EO-3 supplies omega-3 fatty acids, compounds
with positive effects on reproduction, bone development and numerous
inflammatory conditions in horses
Sold in 6 lb containers. |
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Rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in a
palatable liquid form.
In recent years, horse owners and veterinarians have
embraced the notion of using fat in the diets of horses and
ponies. Fat is scarce in forages and is therefore a seemingly
unnatural feedstuff for horses, but its nutritional advantages
are irrefutable. Think of this: some horses are completely
relieved of painful muscle conditions when switched from a
diet laden in starch to one rich in fat; other horses are more
attentive to the demands asked of them by their handlers and
riders when calories are provided by fat; and many
insulin-resistant horses thrive on high-fat rations.
Now that the advantages of fat are accepted almost
universally by horsemen, scientists are delving deeper into
howcertain fats help horses. Researchers have focused their
attention on two distinct families of longchain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA): the omega-3 family and the
omega-6 family. The omega-3 family stems from alpha-linolenic
acid (ALA), and the omega-6 family originates from linoleic
acid (LA). The term omega-3 is in reference to the location of
the first double bond positioned three carbon atoms from the
terminal end of the fatty acid chain. Marine-derived oils are
rich in the longer chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 20 and 22 carbon
atoms, respectively, while ALA, containing 18 carbon atoms,
can be found in plant sources such as flax, soybean, and
canola. ALA and LA are considered "essential fatty
acids"because they are instrumental in the life cycle,
yet they cannot be manufactured in the body and must be
obtained from dietary sources.
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