Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on markers of inflammation in young horses in training
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2018 American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists To determine the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on markers of inflammation in young horses in training, 16 Quarter Horses (2 to 4 yr) were used in a randomized complete block design for a 140-d trial. Treatments consisted of a control diet (n = 8) fed at 1% BW or a treatment diet (n = 8) of concentrate fed at 0.75% BW and 700 g of a marine n-3 supplement formulated to provide 15 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and 20 g of docosahexaenoic acid. Exercise protocol was divided into 2 phases: phase 1 (d 0 to 110) consisted of early training and phase 2 (d 111 to 140) consisted of advance maneuvers. Synovial fluid was obtained from the carpal joint every 28 d and analyzed for white blood cell count, total protein, and specific gravity. Blood samples were also collected at 28-d intervals for fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography, and concentrations of carboxypeptide type II collagen (CPII) and chondroitin sulfate-846 (CS-846) were determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increased (P 0.01) in response to supplementation. However, diet did not affect serum CPII or CS-846 nor synovial white blood cell count, total protein, and specific gravity. Levels of CS-846 tended to increase over time (P = 0.09) and CPII concentration increased (P < 0.01) in response to changes in exercise. These results indicate further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of n-3 supplementation as a preventative measure against development of osteoarthritis.
