Reactive behaviors in horses can impact the welfare and safety of both the horse and the handler. Reductions in reactivity have been observed in horses-fed diets with increased fat and low starch and sugar, but the effects of specific fatty acids on reactive behaviors in horses is unknown. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate the impacts of camelina oil (providing the plant-based α-linolenic acid, ALA) and a mix of camelina and algae oil (providing the marine-based eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) on plasma fatty acids, heart rate variability, and reactive behaviors. Horses were supplemented with either camelina oil, a camelina and algae oil mix, or water (control) for 6 wk. All horses underwent a novel object test and plasma fatty acids, heart rate variability, and reactive behavior was assessed before and after supplementation. Plasma fatty acids were largely reflective of the oil consumed, however, heart rate variability and behavior did not differ among groups. Results suggest that supplementation with either camelina oil or a camelina and algae oil mix may not be effective in reducing reactive behaviors in otherwise healthy horses not experiencing chronic stress.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.