Contribute  Omega-3 fatty acid supplement for all horses
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids support every system in
your horse’s body, including the immune system, reproductive system,
inflammatory process, nervous system, bone development, and cardiovascular
system. Contribute’s unique concentrated formula provides a blend of both marine
and plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids for complete coverage.


Recommended for:

Breeding stallions and mares
Performance horses
Growing horses
Seniors

Feeding Directions:

Maintenance: 1 oz per day

Weanlings and yearlings: 1 oz per day

Horses in training: 1 to 2 oz per day

Stallions: 1 to 2 oz per day

Broodmares: 1 to 2 oz per day

Storage Instructions:

Seal tightly after each use and do not expose to direct sunlight. Store at room
temperature. Avoid freezing or extreme heat.



Contribute contains:

Fish oil: a source of EPA and DHA

Flaxseed oil: a source of alpha-linolenic acid

Guaranteed ratio of 8:1 omega-3 to omega-6

fatty acids

Total omega-3 fatty acids: 10,780 mg per oz

Eicosapentaenoic (EPA): 3,210 mg per oz

Docosahexaenoic (DHA): 2,320 mg per oz

Why omega fatty acids are important:

Omega fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids because they cannot be
synthesized in the body and must be provided in the diet. Omega fatty acids are
split into two categories: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Both are necessary to
the wellbeing of the horse; however, it is the amount of both of these acids relative
to each other that is most important for overall health. Functioning at the cellular
level, omega fatty acids impact the cell membrane, therefore influencing every
system in the body. When properly balanced the two types of fatty acids work in
concert to keep your horse healthy.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are metabolized by cells in the body and used in
the synthesis of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. The primary
function of these prostaglandins is the regulation of essential body functions such
as blood clotting, blood pressure, immune and inflammatory response.
Prostaglandins produced from the omega-6 series typically have a pro
inflammatory response and increase blood clotting, whereas those produced from
the omega-3 series tend to have the opposite effect by mitigating the inflammatory
response and decreasing blood clotting. Both the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
compete for the same enzymes in the production of these prostaglandins, so it is
the ratio of the omega-6 to omega-3 that has the greatest influence over
inflammatory response and other vital body functions. When an abundance of
omega-6 acids are consumed relative to the amount of omega-3, cells increase the
production of prostaglandins from the omega-6 series leading to an increase in
inflammation, which, over time, leads to multiple health problems.



Modern management and its effect on omega ratios:

Horses evolved to exist on a grass-based diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and low
in omega-6 fatty acids. In an effort to support the increasing energy demands
made on modern horses, man introduced large amounts of grains into their diets.
These grains, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, throw the critical 6 to 3 ratio
out of whack. Supplementing with a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid brings that
ratio back into balance.

Why supplying multiple sources of omega-3 fatty acids is important:

Alpha-linolenic acid is the most common omega-3 fatty acid and is found in plants.
While horses generally obtain alpha-linolenic acid by eating grass and hay, flaxseed
and linseed oil are the most concentrated sources of this nutrient.

The omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA have also been identified as
beneficial to the horse. These are longer-chain fatty acids and are generally found
in fish oils. Shorter chain acids, like alpha-linolenic acid, can be converted into the
longer chain EPA and DHA; however, this process is very inefficient, hence the
need to provide them in the diet.

Why use Contribute?

Balancing the omega 6 to 3 fatty acid ratio in your horse’s diet will help maintain
your horse’s good health. Contribute offers you an affordable way to include both
beneficial plant and marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids into the diet.
Contribute™
SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED


Research reveals that omega-3 fatty acids support
optimal performance and overall wellness in horses



General findings:

Both the quantity and type of omega-3 acids and the
ratio of 6 to 3 influence how beneficial they are to
overall wellness
When increased levels of omega-3 acids are provided
in the diet, the blood plasma and red blood cell (RBC)
levels increase accordingly, indicating orally
administered omega fatty acids are well absorbed in
the horse
Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in many systems
within the body, including the inflammatory process,
cardiovascular system, nervous system, bone
development, reproductive system, and immune
function
Horses supplemented with EPA and DHA show an
earlier inflammatory response, which may be
advantageous in fighting infections
Supplementation with omega-3 has shown a positive
effect in mitigating allergic reactions, including skin
allergies and seasonal pruritis (sweet itch)

Findings in stallions and broodmares:

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA has a positive effect on
both sperm output and quality; it also affects the
sperm’s cell membrane so it is better able to
withstand cooling and freezing
Mares consuming diets high in omega-3 also have
colostrum and milk with elevated levels; foals whose
dams have been fed a diet rich in omega-3 have
elevated serum levels of the nutrient, which support a
stronger immune system
Research in other animals has shown a positive effect
in increasing conception rates and reducing
reproductive problems; this combined with anecdotal
evidence suggests supplementation of mares’ diets
with omega-3 may be beneficial in maintaining high
conception rates and reducing reproductive problems
Findings in performance and racehorses:

Studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to be
beneficial in increasing stride length, indicating they
play a role in maintaining joint health
Research has also shown that horses supplemented
with omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources exhibit a
reduced inflammatory response to exercise
Studies are ongoing looking at the possible benefits of
supplementation with omega-3 in decreasing exercise-
induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), commonly
referred to as “bleeding” in performance horses