13/04/2022
Skin Sensitivity and Omega-3 Fatty Acids 🦟
If your horse suffers with hypersensitivty in their skin particularly around the insect season, supplementing their diets with Omega-3 Fatty Acid's may offer some additional support. Omega 3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, as well as improving skin elasticity and helping to maintain the skin's barrier function.
A pilot study has found that diet's with supplementary Omega 3's have reduced skin reactions to biting midges. In the study, horses with a known history of sensitivity were exposed to extracts of the biting midges. Half of the horses in the trial were given linseed (a good source of Omega-3's) for 6 weeks. At the end of the trial, the horses who had received supplementation with linseed had reactions that were significantly reduced compared to those had received the placebo.
Modern feeding regimes, combined with management and an increased reliance on conserved forages could mean that some horses are receiving a higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3, meaning that these essential fatty acids have to be supplied by the diet. Plant derived omega-3’s are converted in the body from their basic form to more complex and highly effective forms. Marine derived omega-3 sources supply these more complex forms directly into the body and therefore are a more potent way of supplying omega-3’s.
Saracen Horse Feeds
