DHA Supplement for Breeding Stallions
Features and Guaranteed Analysis |
Functions and Benefits |
Feeding Instructions
Features
- Proven palatable.
- Only vegetable fat sources.
- 15 grams of DHA per pound.
- High DHA to EPA ratio.
- High in omega-3 fatty acids.
- The omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio is approximately 2.5:1.
- Contains flaxseed.
- High in vitamin E.
- Cost effective: $0.47 per gram of DHA.
- May be fed in conjunction with any properly fortified diet.
- Available in 3/16 inch diameter pellets.
|
Guaranteed Analysis
| Crude Protein (Min) | 16.0% |
| Crude Fat (Min) | 14.0% |
| Crude Fiber (Max) | 8.0% |
| Calcium (Min) | 1.2% |
| Calcium (Max) | 1.7% |
| Phosphorus (Min) | 1.0% |
| Selenium (Min) | 2.2 ppm |
| Vitamin E (Min) | 1000 IU/lb |
| DHA (Min) | 15 g/lb |
|
Functions and Benefits
- Sperm cells with low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the membrane have lower percentages of motile sperm following the freezing
or cooling process. High dietary DHA can improve the sperm cell membrane DHA concentration. Research has
shown that stallions supplemented with high DHA resulted in an increased percentage of motile sperm
after freezing or cooling.
- Vitamin E and selenium are antioxidant nutrients. Significant amounts of these nutrients are provided
in Top Stud to ensure that these nutrient requirements are met.
- Will improve hair coat condition.
The Science Behind the Product
Fatty acid composition within the sperm cell is important to their viablility and fertilization potential.
Sperm and sperm cell membrane are high in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), an omega-6
fatty acid. Sperm with low DHA in the membrane have lower percentages of motile sperm following the freezing
and cooling process. Increasing the DHA:DPA ratio in the sperm can improve sperm motility.
The horse's typical diet provides ample precursors for DPA. The major dietary DHA precursor typically fed
to horses is flaxseed, which is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another omega-3 fatty acid. ALA can be
converted to DHA. For some stallions, the mechanism for conversion of ALA to DHA or the actual DHA
incorporation into the sperm cell membrane may be ineffective. The result is low DHA concentration into the membrane.
In addition to high DHA:DPA ratio, Top Stud also has a high DHA:EPA ratio. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid),
is another omega-3 fatty acid and is commonly found in fish oil. EPA may interfere with the efficient
incorporation of DHA into the cell membrane.
For some stallions experiencing fertility issues, providing dietary DHA may be beneficial. Our own
trials have shown that stallions supplemented with Top Stud resulted in increased DHA in the sperm cell membrane,
as well as an increased percentage of motile sperm after cooling and freezing. Additionally, stallions readily
consumed Top Stud.
Feeding Instructions
Feed 1 pound of Top Stud per horse (ideal body weight of approximately 1000 to 1200 pounds) per day.
Over time, the amount of Top Stud may be decreased. Adjustments to the daily feed may be necessary to
maintain or achieve ideal body condition. Improvements will also be noticeable in the hair coat
condition. Feeding additional high fat supplements is not recommended, as this will upset the balance of DHA.
Due to the length of spermatogenesis, Top Stud should be fed at least 60 days prior to the breeding
season for optimum effects.