Feeding extruded flaxseed to produce omega-3 enriched pork
Posted in: Prairie Swine Centre by admin on January 1, 2007
Omega-3 fatty acids are well recognized for their human health benefits. The amount of omega-3 fatty acids present in the meat and meat products is low due to extensive use of feed ingredients deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed, a rich plant source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid), has recently gained attention as a source of ALA for growing pigs. Eighty pigs (initial body weight 31±3 kg) were fed diets supplemented with 5, 10 or 15% extruded flaxseed for either 4, 8 or 12 weeks prior to market. Up to 15% extruded flaxseed can be included in the grower and finisher pig diet without any adverse effect on the performance. Feeding extruded flaxseed to pigs results in ALA enrichment of the subcutaneous fat. The consistency of the enrichment improves with the length of time the flaxseed is included in the diet.
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