Abstract
Simple SummaryFlaxseed oils have long been used in animal feeding and human nutrition due to the beneficial effects of their biologically active substances, especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean oil (SO) with flaxseed oil (FO) in the horses’ diet on biochemical, haematological, and redox status parameters of the blood. We found FO contributed to an improvement of lipid profile, haematological parameters of the blood and enhanced antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses. This suggests that substitution of SO with FO in the diet of horses is beneficial for their health status.This study compared the effect of two dietary vegetable oils on plasma biochemical indices, haematological parameters, and redox status of horses. Forty riding horses (20 mares and 20 stallions) of the Malopolski breed were divided equally into two groups that were similar in terms of age, sex, and body weight (on average 530 ± 30 kg). The horses received soybean oil (SO) or flaxseed oil (FO) in the amount of 25 mL per 100 kg BW/day. After 60 days, blood was collected for biochemical and haematological analyses. The results show that horses receiving FO as compared to the SO group had significantly lower plasma levels of glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and triacylglycerols, as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. In turn, %HDL-TC and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly higher in the FO group. The inclusion of FO in the diet contributed to an increase in antioxidant indices: creatinine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc contents and also superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The level of the end product of lipid peroxidation, i.e., malonyl dialdehyde, in the FO group as compared to the SO group was significantly lower. Moreover, FO caused an elevation in red blood cell indicators, lymphocyte count and lysozymes. In conclusion, FO exerts a beneficial effect by stimulating antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses and reducing the severity of oxidative stress. FO also improved the lipid profile and haematological parameters of the blood. The replacement of SO by FO is recommended based on these findings.
Highlights
In horse nutrition, particular focus is placed on the quality of the fat used
The flaxseed oil was much richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), C18:3 ω-3, than the soybean oil, while the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the flaxseed oil was over 40% lower than in the soybean oil
Most of the haematological and biochemical parameters determined in the present study were within the wide range of reference values specified for horses [20,21], which demonstrates that the horses were in good health and condition
Summary
Particular focus is placed on the quality of the fat used. In place of popular vegetable oils, such as soybean, rapeseed or maize oil, other valuable oils are used as well, e.g., fish or Animals 2020, 10, 2244; doi:10.3390/ani10122244 www.mdpi.com/journal/animalsAnimals 2020, 10, 2244 flaxseed oil. In place of popular vegetable oils, such as soybean, rapeseed or maize oil, other valuable oils are used as well, e.g., fish or Animals 2020, 10, 2244; doi:10.3390/ani10122244 www.mdpi.com/journal/animals. The advantage of flaxseed oil over other vegetable oils stems from its high content of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), of which it is the richest plant source [1]. Flaxseed oil has a highly favourable ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 acids, not exceeding. 2:1, while the ratio in soybean oil, for example, is about 10:1 [2]. Enrichment of the diet with ω-3 acids, e.g., using flaxseeds or flaxseed oil, may help to suppress inflammatory and allergic reactions, improve the blood lipid profile, and increase tissue sensitivity to insulin [5]
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