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Managing the joint health of young horses proactively, rather than reactively, is the order of the day, according to a recent study*.

Using 13 two-and three-year old horses, researchers set out to determine the usefulness of omega-3 fatty acids in quelling inflammation in juvenile joints by measuring plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is known to increase as joint inflammation flares.

Researchers assigned horses to one of two groups, control or treatment. Control horses were fed a diet of pelleted concentrate and coastal Bermudagrass hay. Treatment horses were fed the same diet as the control horses plus 287 grams of a marine-derived omega-3 supplement that provided 15 grams of EPA and 20 grams of DHA. Researchers weighed horses weekly, and body condition score and rump fat measurements were taken every three weeks.

The 63-day trial included two distinct phases of exercise: the first (days 0-14) consisted of groundwork and early training, and the second (days 15-63) involved moderate work that included more advanced maneuvers. Researchers recorded work type and duration for each session.

Blood samples were taken on days 0, 35, and 63 and tested for PGE2 concentration.

Diet did not influence body weight, condition score, or rump fat measurement. Plasma concentrations of PGE2 increased over time across treatments as exercise intensity increased, indicating a rise in inflammation. On days 35 and 63, treatment horses had lower PGE2 plasma concentrations than control horses.

Young horses subjected to exercise could, therefore, benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA.

EO•3 is a fish oil supplement and a rich source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Developed by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), EO•3 provides many benefits to young horses, including a reduction in joint inflammation and allergic reactivity, and a boost in immune function.

*Pritchett, K.B., J. L. Leatherwood, B. Vandergrift, M.J. Anderson, K.J. Stutts, M.M. Beverly, and S.F. Kelley. 2015. Influence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on plasma prostaglandin E2 production in young exercising horses. In: Proc. Equine Science Society Symp. pp. 416-417.

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