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last update:Sep 26, 2008
Camelina meal approved for swine diets
Sustainable Oils has received approval from the
Centre for Veterinary Medicine, a department of the FDA, for the use of camelina meal
in the diets of growing swine up to 2 percent of the weight of
the total ration.
Camelina meal is a by-product of camelina oil
extraction.
Sustainable Oils, a joint venture between Targeted Growth and Green Earth
Fuels, was launched in late 2007 and is focused on the research, development and
commercialisation of camelina for biodiesel production.
Camelina, a
distant relative to canola, requires minimal water and can be harvested with
traditional equipment. Because of these properties, it can be grown on fallow
ground or as a rotation crop. Therefore, it is not competitive with traditional
food crops, but instead creates a food plus fuels scenario.
"This is an
important step in the process of developing a strong, sustainable market for
camelina production," said Steve Sandroni, production and logistics manager,
Sustainable Oils. "Opening up the livestock feed opportunities for camelina meal
provides a market for the most significant by-product of camelina oil
production."
"Especially at a time when livestock feeders are battling
high input prices, camelina meal can be a very attractive option," he continued.
"The meal is an excellent source of protein. With protein levels of 40 percent
or more, it is similar to soybean meal but offers the added benefit of being
high in Omega-3 fatty acids."
Sustainable Oils is leading the formation
of an industry coalition working to obtain "Generally Recognised As Safe"
certification from the Food and Drug Administration so all producers can sell
camelina meal. Sustainable Oils is now one of only two companies who have
approval to sell camelina meal. A nutritionist knowledgeable about the use of
camelina must be consulted in developing rations using the
product.
Related Website
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