Dietary supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid in horses: establishment of baseline values on bone turnover, synovial prostaglandin E2, and gait kinematics

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has shown anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and food animal species by modulating production of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), reducing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Bone remodelling may also be affected by CLA. Thus, CLA may reduce inflammation consistent with joint disease. Effects of CLA supplementation in horses have not been previously reported. This study aimed to determine baseline values of CLA supplementation on bone turnover, synovial PGE2 and gait kinematics in mature, idle horses. It was not expected that CLA would affect bone metabolism or gait kinematics in this animal model, as COX2 pathway should not be upregulated. In a crossover study, 12 mature mares were blocked by breed, age, and body condition score and separated into two treatment groups (n=6 per group) fed CLA or corn oil (CO; isocaloric control) for two 6-week feeding periods, separated by a 4-week period when oil treatment was withheld. Corn oil or CLA ...