The Six Most Frequently Asked Questions by Stallion Managers Question 1: Why wouldnt Omega-3 DHA normally be found in my stallions feed?
Some short-chain omega-3 fatty acids may be found naturally in animal diets through sources like flax seed. However EPA and DHA, the important long-chain fatty acids associated with increased nutritional benefits, are only found in marine sources. Horse diets are not usually formulated to contain marine products, therefore EPA and DHA would not normally be present in the diet. Studies have shown that horses are very inefficient in converting linolenic acid (from soybean and flax seed oil) into the longer-chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. The results of feeding linolenic acid show no effect on the concentration of EPA or DHA in the horse. The most effective means of increasing concentrations of EPA and DHA in the animal seems to be through direct supplementation of the diet.
