Abstract

Background:
In equine practice, nutraceuticals are usually used to improve a horse's performance.

Aim:
This study assessed the Impact of dietary supplementations of L-carnitine, arginine and omega-3 fatty acids (FERTISUPPORT M®, Dana Vet co., Egypt) on ovarian structures, blood indices, oxidative stress and hormonal profile of the Arabian mares.

Methods:
Twenty anestrous Straight Egyptian Arabian mares were used in the present study. These animals were divided randomly into two groups (Ten mares each). Group 1 served as a control and was fed a basal diet only. Group 2 (supplemented group) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 mL of FERTISUPPORT M ® that was given orally once daily for 21 days. Ovarian ultrasonography examination and assessment of blood indices, antioxidants and hormonal status were conducted at days 0, 7 and 21 after dietary supplementation.

Results:
After 3±0.5 days of treatment, ultrasound scanning revealed an increase in the follicular size. On day 9±1 of treatment there was a large follicle depicted on the ovary with evidence of characteristic endometrial edema in estrus phase. There were no significant differences between the treated and control groups regarding RBCs, HB, blood platelets, WBCs, eosinophils, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, MCV, MCH, and MCHC (P>0.05). While there were significant differences in hematocrit (P=0.046) and staff neutrophils count (P=0.011) between the treated and control groups. Moreover, the treated group had a statistically higher level of total antioxidants than the control one at different times (P=0.017). There were no significant differences between both groups at different times regarding T3, T4, progesterone, and estrogen levels, (P>0.05).

Conclusion:
FERTISUPPORT M ® supplementation stimulates follicular development and increases the total antioxidant capacity in anestrous Arabian mares.

Key words: Antioxidants; Arabian mare; Follicular development; Nutraceuticals; Sex hormones.