Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the Omega-3 fatty acid family. DHA is an essential component of body tissue and is particularly important for brain growth and spermatozoa function due to its high concentration in these tissues. DHA is also a vital component of the body’s response to insults, as it is the precursor of cells and compounds known as pro-resolving mediators that help to restore tissues to their homeostatic (normal) state. As such, providing a dietary source of DHA supports normal respiratory and joint function alongside optimising skin health and general wellbeing. DHA is also an excellent addition to the diet of breeding stock, particularly stallions with reduced fertility due to the high level of DHA in spermatozoa plasma membranes.

The body is unable to synthesise DHA, however it can be produced from enzymatic conversion of other Omega-3 fatty acids which function as precursors to DHA production. This is why Omega-3 fatty acids are referred to as essential fatty acids, meaning they must be provided in the diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be synthesised by plants and by algae. Plants contain Alpha-linolenic acid, commonly known as Omega-3, with leafy plants and oil seeds such as Linseed, being particularly good sources. In comparison, cereal grains predominantly contain Linoleic acid (Omega-6 fatty acid), meaning the proportion of grass, forage and cereal grains comprising your horse's diet will influence their Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid intake. As forage is the largest component of all horses’ diets, it could be assumed that they consume ample Omega-3 to enable conversion to DHA, however this is not the case. Equids are inefficient at converting Alpha-linolenic acid to DHA, meaning the amount of DHA they obtain from their diet is relatively low, even if supplemented with more potent Omega-3 sources such as Linseed oil. Such a situation is not deleterious for healthy horses, however for some horses a dietary source of DHA can be advantageous.

Algae are able to produce DHA, and if supplied in the horse's diet provide a vegan source of DHA that is readily absorbed. Feedmark’s Ultromega Suspension™ provides DHA in a palatable peppermint flavoured oil formulation that is easy to feed. By feeding DHA and not relying on it being converted in the body, you can be certain you are supporting your horse’s health and working synergistically with the body’s natural processes.

Each 30ml measure provides 8,100mg of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) sourced from fresh water microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.)

 

To provide optimum support for broodmares and stallions we recommend feeding Ultromega Suspension™ alongside Natural Vitamin E™ to also provide high levels of Vitamin E which are beneficial to breeding stock. 

 

Schizochytrium powder, rape seed oil.

	Additive number	per litre
Antioxidants
Ascorbyl palmitate	1b304	1 g
Flavouring
Peppermint oil		8.3 g

Crude protein	7.0%
Crude oils & fats	71.2%
Crude fibre	0.6%
Crude ash	4.6%
Sodium	1.3%