ExcelEQ ProElite Omega 3 Supplementation in Weanlings
Background:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of essential fatty acids with many biological activities. These fatty acids are incorporated into cell membranes, changing their structural and functional characteristics. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate inflammatory responses at different levels while offering significant calories to replace concentrate feed. Epiphysis and OCD formation have been linked to excessive concentrate rations in growing horses, thus omega-3 fat supplementation is an excellent calorie replacement alternative. ProElite is a camelina-based
oil supplement with the addition of olive triterpenes for additional anti-oxidant support. This pilot study was performed to assess the benefit of feeding Excel ProElite oil to sales prep weanlings.
Objective:
To gather concrete data comparing weanling thoroughbred race horses prepped with and without ProElite oil supplementation.
Methods and Materials:
Nine weanlings were randomly selected from a single consignor. Excel ProElite was
supplemented at 3 amounts (1 ounce, 2 ounces, and 3 ounces per day) over 30 days before sale at the November Keeneland breeding stock sale. Findings were then compared to average values for all horses of the same consignor.
Results:
According to our findings, weanlings supplemented with ProElite oil outweighed the average of the consignor’s horses by an increase of about 1 percentage point. Improvement in general muscle tone along the top line and gluteal muscle bodies was appreciated in 7/9 horses supplemented with ProElite oil. Improvement was most notable in weanlings with poor presentations at the beginning of the study. Hoof growth at the coronary band was vastly improved in one weanling that originally presented with dry, cracked hooves. Skin lesions noted at the start of the study in one subject completely healed by the 30-day mark. No significant differences in weight gain results were seen between weanlings and the differing amounts of oil supplemented. There may be a limit on how much omega-3 can be absorbed and integrated into the horse’s plasma, and higher doses of supplementation may not confer additional health benefits.
Conclusion:
Results of this study support supplementation of weanling horses for weight gain and improved muscle at a dosage of 1-2 ounces per day.
