Camelina meal approved for swine diets

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
• Targeted Growth
• Green Earth Fuels

 

Click here for the free Pig Progress newsletter