Insulin, metabolites and fatty acids concentrations in blood plasma of horses offered linseed oil in the concentrate

Abstract

The most striking effect of effort in horses is an increase in energy requirements covered mainly by intakes of large amounts of cereals. Cereals are high in starch, an easily available carbohydrate. High starch feeding is a well known risk factor for the development of intestinal disorders and injuries such as laminites (Clarke et al., 1990). The use of oil in horses diets is an alternative to reduce cereals incorporation. Corn oil, soja oil or coconut oil are often incorporated owing to their good palatability. The aim of the present work was to propose linseed oil as an alternative for fat supplementation in horses rations.