Linseed - A valuable source of essential Omega 3.

07 September 2016

At Simple System, we strive to feed horses as closely as possible to the diet on which they evolved. This is that which grows out of the ground on the grassy, treeless plains that are their native home. We call them grassy plains but actually they are as much wild flowers and other plants as grass. There is great variety in the herbage and also a great range across the year in nutritional value.

The plants that grow on these treeless plains need to be drought resistant – the plains are treeless as there is not enough rainfall to support trees – and to be able to grow quickly when the opportunity arises. Their seeds tend to be oily as oil has over twice as many calories as starch. When there is a bit of rain, these plants can then grow very quickly, set seed and start the process again.

Over all, the level of oil in these plants is relatively low, oily seeds notwithstanding. However, the balance of the omega oils is 4 times as much omega 3 as omega 6. Omega 3 is the anti-inflammatory omega and omega 6, the pro-inflammatory omega. Both are essential to the horse. However, having evolved for 30 million years in an environment that supplies more of one than the other, it is reasonable to assume that this is the balance that is right for them now.

Grasses and plants like lucerne and sainfoin, which are harvested for horses, are cut at an optimal stage of growth that is before they have gone to seed. The diet is pretty close to natural, but short on seeds. We all know that linseed has been used for very many generations by horse keepers and that horse do well on it. Linseed is adapted to drier conditions, grows quickly and produces oily seeds that just happen to have exactly the same ratio of omega oils as the grassy plains produce. No other vegetable oil has this balance.

At Simple System we make good use of these amazing seeds, as a straight and in many of our blends and balancers. They have 40% oil and by cooking and preparing them carefully, we produce a feed that is ready to use with no further preparation. Simple System Instant Linseed and all our feeds containing linseed, are fully compliant with the BETA NOPS protocol. Once mixed with digestive juices, it develops a slimy texture which you will be familiar with if you have cooked linseed! This will be soothing to the gut and aid transportation of water along the digestive tract.

There is probably no need to extol all the virtues of linseed which are many and varied. Small amounts, like dark chocolate for us, are good for all horses including those overweight, but in large amounts – just like chocolate! – can contribute to weight gain and supply useful, slow burn energy for stamina. For more information on linseed and how to feed it, contact our Feed Line – info@simplesystem.co.uk 01728 604 008 or use the website enquiry form www.simplesystem.co.uk