Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Gestating and Lactating Mares on Milk Igg and Fatty Acid Composition, Mare and Foal Blood Concentrations of Igg, Fatty Acid Composition, Insulin and Glucose, and Placental Efficiency

There are conflicting results from previous research evaluating the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on IgG concentration of colostrum, milk and foal blood. No research has been done on the effect of omega-3 fat supplementation on the placental efficiency of horses or the nitrite concentrations of the placenta as an indicator of vascularization. This study examined the effect of dietary omega-3 supplementation on composition of milk, mare and foal serum and if it will result in transfer of fatty acid in utero as well as providing the foal with adequate IgG concentrations in the milk and colostrum. Omega-3 supplementation’s effect on concentration of glucose and insulin in blood of the mares and foal will also be determined. This study will determine if omega-3 supplementation has an effect on the placental efficiency or nitrite concentrations in the placenta