camelina meal in poultry diets

written by: dr. jacquie jacob, university of kentucky

camelina, also known as false flax, is a plant that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. camelina meal is a new by-product of oil extraction for biodiesel production. camelina meal contains secondary plant metabolites, called glucosinolates, that adversely affect broiler performance.

camelina plant and oil
camelina plant and oil (image by lesya shevchishina from shutterstock.com)

the inclusion of 10 percent camelina meal in starter broiler diets adversely affected growth and feed efficiency. supplementation with copper sulfate improved live performance and carcass characteristics.