Influence of feed for horse nutrition on the chemical parameters and fatty acid composition of mare's milk

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of horse feed on selected nutritionally important components of mare’s milk with a focus on fat content: total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), stearic fatty acid, n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA, linoleic (LA) and α‑linolenic (ALA) fatty acids. Also, the chemical parameters of the fatty acid composition of feed for horses (briquettes and meadow hay) were examined. Research results showed that complete feed contains a higher crude protein and fat content than hay. In addition, there was a difference in the composition of fatty acids in the milk of mares fed meadow hay compared to briquettes. Accordingly, the diet of mares has an influence on the chemical and fatty acid composition of milk, but it is not the only factor that has an influence.