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TEXAS VET NEWS
By Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and the Texas Farm Bureau

Feeding Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Stallions

Equine reproduction has come a long way in the last few years with the ability to use cooled and frozen semen in many breeds. The quarter horse industry began allowing cooled transported semen in 1997 and frozen semen in 2001. Unfortunately, some stallion’s semen does not do well after cooling and freezing. This cold shock causes loss of motility, viability, and therefore reduces fertility. Sperm from all species contain high levels of DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, and DPA, an omega 6 fatty acid. Studies in boars and other species have indicated that a high ratio of DHA to DPA resulted in enhanced fertility. Animals are unable to make these fatty acids in their bodies and therefore must acquire them from their diet. Unfortunately, horse feeds are higher in DPA fatty acids than DHA fatty acids.

The veterinarians at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in the equine reproduction department performed a study in which they fed 8 breeding studs a ration designed to increase the amount of DHA, or omega 3 fatty acids, in their diet. Semen was collected and examined before and after feeding the supplement. Motion characteristics of fresh semen were not improved by feeding the fatty acid supplement. After 24 hours, the cooled semen from studs fed the supplement had a higher average path velocity and straighter trajectory. However, after 48 hours of cooling, both total and progressive motility were improved by feeding the DHA omega 3 fatty acid supplement. The most dramatic improvement on sperm characteristics was on studs with reduced fertility. The authors of the study believe that the supplementation of DHA omega 3 fatty acids may be beneficial to studs that are going to have their semen shipped or frozen, especially if their sperm has been shown to be sensitive to cooling.