ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid)

C18:3 n-3 · Alpha-linolenic acid

Mechanism

Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) is the plant-based baseline omega-3 fatty acid and the quantitatively dominant n-3 fraction in pasture grass, flaxseed/flaxseed oil and other seed oils - the natural main source for the grazing horse. ALA can theoretically be converted via elongation and desaturation to EPA and further to DHA, but this conversion is low in the horse (as in humans and most monogastrics) and is largely extrapolated from such models; a large share of the ALA supplied is oxidised for energy. As a result, an ALA-rich diet does improve the ration's n-6/n-3 ratio and plasma ALA status, but raises EPA/DHA tissue levels only to a limited degree. An ALA-focused fat supplement has been associated with the field of coat and skin quality as well as a more favourable fatty-acid balance. A specific minimum requirement is not quantified in NRC 2007 or GfE 2014.

Cautions

· Conversion to EPA/DHA is low - ALA does not replace marine sources when preformed EPA/DHA is the goal.
· Flaxseed oil oxidises quickly; feed ground flaxseed promptly (rancidity).
· Higher PUFA intake increases the vitamin E requirement.
· Raw flaxseed contains small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides; customary feeding amounts are considered safe, avoid very large raw quantities.

Sources

NRC 2007NRC - Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007): Fettsäuren, kein n-3-Mindestbedarf definiert

GfE 2014GfE - Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden (2014): Fett, kein spezifischer ALA-Bedarf

Hess & Ross-Jones 2014Hess T, Ross-Jones T 2014 (J Equine Vet Sci) - Review; geringe ALA->EPA/DHA-Konversion beim Pferd

Equiterna Score

76/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8.5/10

Safety6.6/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo quantified requirement (NRC 2007 / GfE 2014). In practice via flaxseed oil/flaxseed: guideline value approx. 50-100 ml flaxseed oil or 100-200 g ground flaxseed per 500 kg BW/day as a fat supplement; fresh pasture grass already covers ALA within the basal forage.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.