Equine Omega Profile Test Kit
Dried blood spot collection kit for analysis of blood fatty acid composition in horses.
Laboratory analysis and report of results included. View sample report
Key Measures
The AA:EPA ratio is the most meaningful measure of inflammatory balance within the horse’s body.
The AA:EPA ratio is the proportion of arachidonic acid (AA), a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid. This very specific ratio provides an indication of the eicosanoid balance, and consequently, the inflammatory balance within the body. It is affected by both the composition of the horse’s diet as well as the efficiency of conversion of dietary sources of short-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into the long-chain fatty acids included within this ratio.
Studies at Kentucky Equine Research have shown that horses on predominantly pasture diets, most closely resembling their natural diet, have an average AA:EPA ratio of 3.5. When access to fresh pasture is reduced and dietary sources of linoleic acid (LA) such as grain are increased, the AA:EPA ratio increases. This indicates that production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (local hormones) using AA as a precursor is more favored.
The greater the AA:EPA ratio, the more pro-inflammatory the balance within the horse’s body.
Equine Omega Profile is an innovative testing kit that offers a convenient way to measure the inflammatory balance within the horse’s body.
Testing requires only one drop of blood placed on an easy-to-use submission card. There is no cost associated to return the card, and results are sent electronically. Along with the results, you will receive information on how to interpret them and recommendations on how to influence the omega ratio.
Recommended for:
- Horses fed diets that consist of hay and grain rather than pasture
- Racehorses
- Breeding stock
- Performance horses
- Senior horses
- Metabolic horses
- Horses with allergic sensitivities
- Horses with respiratory problems (heaves, cough, asthma, EIPH)
- Horses that spend significant time in environments that lead to respiratory inflammation
- Horses with any inflammatory condition
When should horses be tested?
- As part of a yearly wellness plan
- 60 to 90 days after incorporating dietary or supplemental changes
- 60 to 90 days prior to performance horse returning to work or show season
- 90 days prior to each breeding and foaling season
- 90 days prior to entering a race training program
- When an immune, respiratory, joint, metabolic, allergic, or fertility condition arises
Modern horse diets often introduce into the diet many omega-6s from cereal grains and oils while limiting access to omega-3 rich pasture. This results in elevated AA:EPA ratios, indicating predominant production of the pro-inflammatory forms of eicosanoids, which promotes elevated cellular inflammation in the horse’s body.
AA:EPA Ratio |
Dietary Profile |
Recommendations |
|
Low Less than 6 |
Free access to fresh pasture Little to no supplemental grain or oils Typical of idle horses or horses receiving EPA supplementation |
Desirable range |
|
Moderate 6-12 |
Reduced access to fresh pasture Moderate amounts of hay and supplemental grain Typical of many sport horse diets |
Moderately favors inflammation - Increase access to pasture - Reduce dietary intake of LA - Provide supplemental EPA and DHA |
|
High Greater than 12 |
No pasture access, primarily all hay Significant amount of supplemental grain, high-fat feeds, or high-LA fat supplements Typical of horses in high-intensity sports such as racing |
Significantly favors inflammation - Reduce dietary intake of LA - Provide supplemental EPA and DHA |
Body processes that benefit from a beneficial omega profile
- Cardiovascular health
- Respiratory health
- Immune health
- Joint health
- Skin health
- Reproductive health
- Metabolic health
Symptoms and risk factors of an elevated AA:EPA ratio
Symptoms
- Inflammatory conditions (arthritis, asthma, allergies)
- Metabolic conditions
Risk factors
- High grain intake
- Lack of pasture intake
