Serum lipid profile modification related to polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in thoroughbred horses

The importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within the biological functions of animals has been widely recognized. In this study, exercise and PUFAs’ supplementation effects on serum triglycerides (Try), total cholesterol (Chol), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) concentration were evaluated in athletic horses. Ten regularly trained thoroughbred horses were randomly divided in two groups, control group (CG; n = 5) and experimental group (EG; n = 5). EG received a 4-week PUFA supplementation; CG received no dietary supplement. Blood samples were collected from the animals every 10 days before (PreD10, PreD20, PreD30) and after (PostD10, PostD20, PostD30) 1700 metres of race and were tested for selected parameters. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures showed lower Chol levels at PreD10, PreD20, and PreD30 in EG with respect to control CG (P < .05). EG showed lower NEFA levels than CG at PreD20 and PostD30 (P < .05). Increase of Try levels was found in EG at PreD20 and PostD30 (P < .05). The results of this study highlighted both exercise and PUFA supplementation diet’s effect on selected lipid parameters in thoroughbred horses. In addition PUFA supplementation diet seems to improve metabolic adaptation to physical exercise probably by increasing animal capacity for fatty acids’ utilization in muscle.