Effects of gestational n-3 and n-6 fatty acid supplementation on ewe and lamb performance

Lay Summary This study evaluated whether supplementing ewes with omega-3 (n-3), omega-6 (n-6), or a combination of both fatty acids during gestation could improve ewe and offspring performance. While ewe body weight was unaffected, n-6 supplementation slightly improved body condition at weaning. The treatments successfully altered fatty acid profiles in the blood and placenta: n-6 increased linoleic and arachidonic acids, and n-3 raised EPA and total n-3 levels. However, these changes did not lead to improved lamb growth. Birth weights, pre-weaning growth, and weaning weights were similar across all groups. Likewise, male lambs kept as rams showed no differences in growth or reproductive traits after weaning. Overall, supplementing ewes with n-3 and/or n-6 changed maternal and placental fatty acid composition but did not improve lamb performance through weaning or later development.