Avian Influenza and EPA/DHA Omega-3
Given the arrival of avian influenza in dairy herds, we’ve been fielding questions recently regarding EPA/DHA omega-3, its anti-inflammatory effects and how it can help in this situation.
Here are the main questions we’ve been getting:
- How does EPA/DHA omega-3 improve immune function?
- What does the research say about EPA/DHA and avian influenza, specifically?
- What is the timeline for when EPA/DHA is fed vs. being utilized by the cow?
- What are your recommendations for feeding EPA/DHA to support immune health?
In short, there’s good evidence in the literature that EPA/DHA has an anti-viral effect on avian influenza by reducing replication of the virus. In the downloadable PDF below, you will find full explanations, cited research and our specific recommendations to help support herd immune health.
No doubt, it is important to supply a correct balance of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc.) as cows that have their nutrient requirements fulfilled are better equipped to handle diseases.
Hope this adds to your toolbox as you help your herds navigate bird flu and that challenge that presents to their herd health, production and reproductive success.
Below are links to several research papers & videos that are great resources for better understanding the role of omega-3s in immune function, and specifically with avian influenza.
EPA/DHA & Influenza-specific:
- Protectin D1 Inhibits Viral Replication of Influenza Virus, Morita 2013
- Fish Oil Fed to Broilers with Avian Influenza, Ali 2017
How Omega-3s Impact Immune Function:
- Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells, Gutierrez 2019
- Omega-3 and COVID 19 – A Comprehensive Review, Hathaway III 2020
