1. Introduction
- Flaxseed oil derived from the seeds of the Linum usitatissimum plant, has been utilized for centuries for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), flaxseed oil has gained prominence in animal nutrition for its potential to enhance health, improve coat quality, and support overall well-being across various species.
2. Organoleptic Properties
- Color: Light to golden yellow.
- Odor: Mild, nutty aroma.
- Taste: Subtle, nutty flavor.
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents and oils.
- Particle Size: Available in liquid form.
3. Key Bioactive Compounds
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): An essential omega-3 fatty acid crucial for anti-inflammatory processes and cellular functions.
- Lignans: Phytoestrogens with antioxidant properties that may support immune function.
- Dietary Fiber: Supports digestive health, though primarily present in whole or ground flaxseed rather than the oil.
4. Purpose and Usage by Species
Poultry
- Enhances growth performance and feed efficiency.
- Improves the fatty acid profile of poultry products, increasing omega-3 content.
- Supports immune function and reduces inflammation.
- A study on the synergistic effects of phytogenic compounds, including flaxseed oil, demonstrated improved growth parameters in native chickens [1].
- Research on phytogenic feed additives highlighted their positive impact on gastrointestinal health and overall performance in poultry [2].
Swine
- Serves as a valuable source of energy and essential fatty acids.
- Improves carcass quality by enhancing the fatty acid composition.
- Supports reproductive performance and overall health.
- Studies have shown that flaxseed is an excellent protein and energy source for swine, contributing to improved carcass fatty acid profiles [3].
- Dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil has been associated with enhanced milk production and increased concentrations of functional fatty acids in milk fat [4].
Ruminants
- Provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for rumen health.
- Enhances energy intake without disrupting rumen fermentation.
- Improves the fatty acid profile of milk and meat products.
- Flaxseed is recognized as an excellent protein and energy source for ruminants, aiding in increased energy intake in dairy cattle without negatively affecting rumen function [5].
- Encapsulation of flaxseed oil has been shown to decrease ruminal saturated fatty acids and increase unsaturated fatty acids, indicating potential benefits for dairy production [6].
Aquatic Animals
- Enhances growth performance and feed efficiency.
- Improves the fatty acid composition of aquatic animal tissues.
- Supports immune function and overall health.
- While specific studies on flaxseed oil in aquatic animals are limited, the inclusion of phytogenic compounds has shown potential benefits in growth performance and health [7].
Companion Animals (Dogs & Cats)
- Improves skin and coat health.
- Provides anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
- Supports digestive health and overall well-being.
- Flaxseed oil is recognized as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids essential for healthy skin, coat, and hooves in multiple species, including dogs and cats [8].
- The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseed can help ease symptoms of arthritis, lower blood pressure, improve kidney function, and maintain healthy skin and coat in dogs [9].
5. Standardized Botanical Powders Offering
- Crude Powder: Whole or ground flaxseed meal, retaining natural nutrients and fiber.
- Standardized Extract: Flaxseed oil with consistent concentrations of ALA and lignans.
- Granular Form: Processed flaxseed meal or oil in granular form for easy incorporation into feed.
6. Synergistic Phytogenic Combinations
- Flaxseed Oil and Other Phytobiotics: Combining flaxseed oil with other phytogenic compounds has been shown to enhance growth performance, survival rates, and feed conversion ratios in poultry, indicating potential synergistic effects [10].
7. Nature’s Activ Differentiation
- Traceability: Sourced from non-GMO flax crops with complete supply chain transparency.
- Harvesting Age: Seeds are harvested at optimal maturity to ensure maximum nutrient content.
- Standardization: Products are standardized to contain consistent levels of ALA.
8. Conclusion
- Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3s, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, benefiting multiple species by enhancing growth, immunity, and product quality.
- Nature’s Activ ensures superior quality through traceability and standardization.
- Contact us for customized formulations to optimize animal health and performance with our premium flaxseed oil solutions.
References
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360251357
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/10/2950
- https://www.thepigsite.com/articles/flaxseed-as-a-functional-feed-ingredient
- https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/5/538
- https://www.pizzeyingredients.com/flax-ingredients-for-ruminants/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6746396/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343403652
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/flaxseed.html
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_flaxseed_oil_for_dogs
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366481405
FDA Disclaimer
This product is intended for use in animals only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.