Animal feed flaxseed

Flaxseed as an animal feed has been limited until recently, although the benefits of feeding flaxseed to animals have been observed for nearly 100 years. Many of these observations have become folklore such as shinner coats and improved animal health. Quantifying the benefit to animal health is needed. However, some studies have shown general health improvement along with enhancement to animal production and end product quality. For a review of the health and production issues see the extension publications of Maddock et al. (2005), Novak and Scheideler (1998), and Puthpongsiriporn and Scheideler (2001). 

Chia seed contains 25 0% oil and 18-30% protein. The chia meal is high in protein and fiber similar to flaxseed and soybean (52, 53). Chia seed, oil, and meal can be used as ingredients with high nutritional value for human food and animal feed. Chia seed contains mucilage and water-soluble fiber, may possibly contain lignans, and is similar to flax (53). Trials conducted in 1995 and 1996 showed yield and oil contents to be affected by growing conditions and harvested yields were up to 1500 kg/ha (52). 

Gonthier, C., Mustafa, A.F., Berthiaume, R., Petit, H.V., and Ouellet, D.R. 2004a. Feeding micro-ionized and extruded flaxseed to dairy cows Effects on digestion and ruminal biohydrogenation of long-chain fatty acids. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 84, 705-711. 

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