Everything Explained Using Oil for Safe Conditioning

Katie Williams M.Sc. (Dist) RNutr Senior Nutritionist

Winter weight loss and dull coat condition are just some of the concerns of horse owners as we head towards the winter months. Although there is a plethora of feeds and supplements available for dealing with these issues it is highly likely that they have one thing in common – and that is that they all contain oil. Here we take a more detailed look at why oil has become such an important feedstuff for horses.

Oil for Weight Gain

Oil is very energy or 'calorie' dense and as such makes an ideal addition to the ration of horses and ponies that need to put on weight or that struggle to maintain weight over the winter months. Using oil as an energy source has several advantages including: -

1. Increasing the energy density of the ration without increasing the overall meal size.

As vegetable oil provides in the region of 38MJ/kg compared to barley at around 13MJ/kg, it’s not surprising that oil is useful for promoting weight gain. To give a more practical example of this 250ml of oil, about a mug full, would provide a similar energy level as 1kg or approximately 1 large round scoop of low energy mix.

One of the main advantages of the energy density of oil is that it can be used to increase the energy content of the ration without significantly increasing meal size. Horses have a finite capacity to utilise starch form cereal grains and although traditionally cereals have been used to increase energy intake for working horses and those that need to gain weight, overfeeding them increases the risk of a number of problems including gastric ulcers and colic. Using a high oil feed allows the amount of cereals used to be reduced or even removed from the ration in some cases.

2. Providing 'slow release' energy for condition without the fizz.

Several researchers have investigated the effects of oil and fibre based rations compared to rations based on starches and sugars on behaviour. One study by Holland and colleagues compared a cereal based ration supplemented with and without oil and measured spontaneous activity and reactivity. Although there were mixed results a reduction in spontaneous activity (moving around) and also a reduced startle response to the opening of an umbrella were seen when oil was fed.

In a separate study, Nicol and colleagues compared starch and sugar rations to fat and fibre rations in growing horses and found that the latter resulted in young horses that appeared less distressed at weaning and calmer in standardised temperament tests. The temperament tests included activities such as testing with a novel object, person or novel activity/handling test such as crossing a bridge.

Generally the results have been positive with oil and fibre based rations promoting calmer behaviour although there has been some debate as to whether the oil itself was responsible for the improvements or the reduction in starch having an effect. Either way it would seem sensible to use fibre and oil based feeds for condition rather than cereals, particularly if you have a naturally exuberant horse.

3. Suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis.

Not all laminitics are overweight and some need help to maintain weight especially over the winter months or when in harder work. Using sources of digestible fibre alongside supplementary oil is one way to help promote weight gain if necessary. Over the last couple of years much attention has been given to insulin resistance and its links to laminitis. In part, feeding practices that involve 'meals' of starch and sugar rations are thought to worsen this problem and even in healthy horses, those adapted to a starch and sugar rich diet have been found to have a lower insulin sensitivity compared to those adapted to a fat and fibre diet.

How to feed oil for weight gain

Oil can be added to the ration in the form of a liquid oil supplement or as part of a high fat feed. If you are going to add some vegetable oil to your horse’s usual ration to help promote weight gain there are some important factors to consider.: -

• Oil should be introduced gradually into the ration so that your horse gets used to the taste and also to avoid digestive disturbance such as loose droppings
• Oil should not be fed ad-lib; the maximum suggested levels are 100ml/100kg bodyweight so for example, a 500kg horse should be fed a maximum of 500ml of oil
• Oil is a hollow or empty ingredient in that it provides plenty of calories but no other major nutrients such as protein and so needs to be incorporated into a balanced ration
• When the amount of oil in the ration is increased the amount of vitamin E supplied also needs to be increased

Considering all of these factors it can be easier to feed a high oil feed such as Dengie Alfa-A Oil which contains pure alfalfa with a GM free soya oil coating and added vitamin E. Alfa-A Oil provides 100ml of soya oil per kilogram and because it soaks well into the alfalfa is often more palatable than trying to add oil on top of an existing ration. Alfa-A Oil has an energy or calorie level comparable to a conditioning mix or cube, but without the starch and so is useful for horses and ponies that need condition without the fizz and is also suitable for laminitis prone horses and ponies and those with muscle problems.

Using oil for skin/coat condition

Oil can also be used in smaller quantities to help promote good skin and coat condition. It is important to remember that oil is very conditioning and so if you have a good doer it is best fed in restricted quantities. However, a little can go a long way in terms of promoting coat shine – 25mls is often enough to generate a sleek glossy coat.

When it comes to promoting skin and coat condition not all oils are the same. The quality of oil tends to be measured with respect to its essential fatty acid profile particularly with regards to the levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Oils that contain a higher proportion of omega-3 essential fatty acids are generally considered to be of a better quality.

The reason for this is that omega-3 essential fatty acids are incorporated into cell membranes and can be released or transformed into prostaglandins. It is recognised that high levels of omega-6, another type of essential fatty acid, are converted to pro-inflammatory prostaglandins essentially putting the body into an 'inflammatory' state which is linked to problems such as arthritis. In contrast, omega-3 is converted to anti-inflammatory substances considered to promote good health.

Oily fish or cod liver oil supplements are commonly recognised as the best source of omega-3 essential fatty acids and are included in Natural Vitality Coat & Hoof supplement. However, if you prefer to use oils from plant origins, the next best source of essential fatty acids is hemp oil which is found in Dengie Natural Vitality Joint & Condition. Either of these supplements can be added to your horse or pony's winter ration to keep them looking sleek and shiny all through the winter.

To help keep your horse looking in top condition this winter we are offering £5 off our Natural Vitality Joint & Condition supplement. Click here for further details. For feeding advice contact the Dengie Feedline 0845 345 5115 or click here to send us an e-mail.