What are omega fatty acids?

Fatty acids are the basic components of fats and oils utilized in livestock diets. There are two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by livestock and must be supplied in the diet. These include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid. The term “omega” refers to the position of double bonds in these fatty acids.

Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are required for proper bodily functions. ALA and LA are critical components of cell membranes, and play important roles in immune function and overall health and performance. Omega-3 fatty acids supplied in the diet can be converted into other fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This molecule plays an important role in anti-inflammatory and immune processes.

Linoleic acid (LA) is found in grains, byproduct feeds such as soybean meal, and most oilseeds. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in immature cool-season grasses, legumes, and flax. Livestock diets are often rich in omega-6 fatty acids due to feeding grain and byproducts. Including a source of omega-3 helps create balance and optimizes health and productivity.

SmartLic Supplements’ FlaxLic low moisture block contains flaxseed and flax oil, both of which are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid ALA. FlaxLic contains a minimum of 7% ALA. Additionally, research conducted at Kansas State University has shown that feeding FlaxLic improves the conversion of ALA to EPA in the body compared to feeding the exact same ingredients in the unprocessed form.

Effect of omega-3’s on animal performance and reproduction

There is an increasing amount of interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids in livestock diets. Some of the positive responses to omega-3 supplementation in the literature include:

• Improved immune function
• Improved feed efficiency and gut health
• Reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health
• Healthy growth and development of young animals
• Improved skin and coat health

Reproductive performance is critical to the financial success of any ranch operation, whether referring to cows, sheep, or horses.

Prostaglandin is an important reproductive hormone that helps drive estrous cycles and creates an opportunity for animals to become pregnant. However, elevated prostaglandin levels can contribute to pregnancy losses. Omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to increase production of prostaglandin, while omega-3 fats decrease prostaglandin and increase progesterone, which is a hormone necessary to establish and maintain pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids also create an anti-inflammatory response, which helps the embryo implant into the uterine wall. Some studies have reported increased fertility rates from 10 to 20 percent as a result of decreased embryonic mortality due to omega-3 supplementation.

On the male side of reproduction, poor motility and presence of abnormalities in sperm are common causes of infertility. Fats are an essential component of sperm, and there is an increasing body of evidence that suggests that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can improve semen quality.

At SmartLic Supplements, we believe in the potential of omega-3 fatty acids to produce benefits for a variety of livestock species. The FlaxLic product line is a convenient, labor-saving way to provide these essential fatty acids. Please see below for some highlights from a few of our university research trials.

— Kyle Hart, Chaseley, ND

STUDY 1:

Blood lipid levels and heifer performance with or without FlaxLic supplementation

Effects of FlaxLic on Blood Plasma Concentrations of Omega-3 in Heifers

A recent preliminary study with individually fed growing heifers evaluated the impact of NGS FlaxLic on the blood plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and heifer performance (Figure 1).

Study Overview

• Heifers were fed a diet of approximately 70% roughage and 30% concentrate
• With or without access to FlaxLic blocks
• 4-way viral vaccine
• 7-way clostridial bacterin
• Blood samples were collected from heifers at 0 and 16 days

STUDY 2:

Blood lipid levels and growth performance of yearling heifers with or without FlaxLic supplementation

A second large-scale performance study was conducted with growing heifers to evaluate impact of FlaxLic supplement on blood plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and growth performance.

Study Overview

• 480 feedlot heifers, 24 drylot pens
• Fed a diet with 70% roughage (brome hay)
• Blood samples were collected from heifers after 0, 28, and 56 days of FlaxLic supplementation
• Total trial duration was 84 days (figure 3)

STUDY 3:

Effect of FlaxLic with Alpha-linolenic Acid on Bull Performance

Poor sperm motility and presence of abnormalities in sperm morphology are two of the most common causes of poor fertility in males. Fatty Acids are an essential component of sperm. FlaxLic is a high-density, low-moisture block that resists heat and humidity and is manufactured by New Generation Supplements. Research conducted by Kansas State University suggest that the omega-3 fats provided in FlaxLic can lead to improvements in semen quality, bull fertility (figure 4 & 5) PLUS improved daily gain on less total feed resulting in a significant improvement in feed conversion. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to increase tissue concentrations of both alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which are involved in synthesis of important reproductive hormones.