1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Ever wondered where do fats and oils go once they are absorbed from the small intestine? The absorption process is not an accident, nor is it a passive process, it is actually a 'forced' process.

Blood flow through the intestinal mesentery picks up the long chained fatty acid as triglycerides and these are then transported and passed through the liver before the liver decides what to do with them. (This contradicts the much passed myth that feeding oils or fats to your horse gives it diahorrea or other digestive upsets), the oil does not in fact reach the large intestine, it has been absorbed and processed long before.

If the body needs energy for muscle contraction, then it (the liver) sends the fat to the muscle where it is further broken down into two carbon units (glycogen) that are used for energy to contract the muscle cell. If the body does not need the fat at the time, then it gets stored as adipose tissue (body fat) that is found throughout the body. (This is apparent more in some bodies than others and is directly related to other hormone activity particularly pancreas and insulin responses).

Horses take time to adapt their digestive and metabolic processes to a higher fat diet. It takes anywhere between 14 - 30 days to fully adapt their digestive system and a minimum of 30 days to 'switch on' the metabolic processes in the muscle to utilize fat as an energy source (glycogen) in preference to glucose. It takes 3 - 4 months for the optimum development of aerobic energy production in the muscle so you can see that you won't get the full benefit of a high fat diet as a full on energy source over night. You will however notice within this time frame that the horse will improve in condition, particularly in coat health and appearance.

Another source of fat utilized by the horse are volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are produced through fiber digestion by the microbial action in the caecum and large intestine. These fatty acids are constantly being produced and are the horse's main energy supply.
The VFAs are very short chain fatty acids (two to four carbons) and are handled a little differently by the body than added dietary fat. One of the VFAs, propionic acid, is a unique fatty acid in that it can be converted to glucose in the liver. The other main VFAs, acetic and butyric acid can be used for energy or stored in the adipose tissue.

Grains are high in Omega 6 whereas grasses and forages such as hay are high in omega 3. Different vegetable oils also have

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Horses: Feeding oil in the diet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!