Muscat – A groundbreaking study by Royal Oman Police (ROP) marking a significant milestone in veterinary science has earned international recognition from equine experts and enthusiasts.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Veterinary World, the study is the first to evaluate safety and efficacy of oral edible bird’s nest supplementation on purebred Arabian horses. Edible bird’s nest (EBN), a product of salivary secretions of swiftlet birds, is well-known for medicinal and nutritional properties.

Led by Lt Col Dr Khalid bin Obaid al Khaldi, Assistant Director of  Veterinary Services Department at Mounted Police Command, the research highlights ROP’s commitment to applied science and institutional excellence. “This achievement reflects our efforts to nurture national talent and foster partnerships with local and international institutions,” said Lt Col Khaldi.

The study compared the EBN supplement – produced using spray-dried technology – with the widely used Premium E supplement known for its high vitamin E content. Findings showed that EBN significantly enhanced immune function, liver health and muscle condition, outperforming Premium E without the side effects of prolonged vitamin E use.

“This recognition gives our study significant scientific value and places it at the forefront of specialised veterinary research,” Lt Col Khaldi noted.

The paper interweaves Oman’s cultural heritage, recounting the story of Zad al Rakeb – the Arabian horse gifted by Prophet Sulaiman (PBUH) to the Azd tribe of Oman. Referenced in Omani historical records, the tale underscores the deep-rooted bond between Omanis and Arabian horses.

The research was supervised by Mounted Police Command and conducted in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia, the National University of Malaysia, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences’ Research and Studies Centre.

“Publication of this work in a prestigious journal with an impact factor of 1.4 is an international endorsement of ROP’s scientific and institutional performance,” Lt Col Khaldi added. “It shows that ROP’s excellence extends beyond security to include innovation in veterinary science and equine care.”