ANN 111: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

LINSEED MEAL

Among the oilseed residues, linseed is unique because it readily dispersible in water, forming a viscous slime due the presence of 3-10% of mucilage. Cyanogenetic glycoside, linamarin and an associated enzyme, linase in immature linseed hydrolyses it with the evolution of hydrocyanic acid. HCN is a potent respiratory inhibitor and hence, depending on the species the minimum lethal dose taken orally has been estimated as 0.5-3.5 mg/kg of body weight. Proper water washing, drying and storage can reduce glycosides in the feedstuffs. Linseed is rich protein source with low methionine and lysine content and also rich in phosphorus part of which is present as phytase but has only moderate calcium content. It is a high source of vitamins like riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid and choline. It also has protective action against selenium poisoning. Linseed oil meal refers to solvent extracted residue and two grades (Grade I; grade II) are available in the market. Linseed cake refers to expeller pressed and two verieties (Grade I; grade II) are available in the market. Linseed cake/meal is not suitable to poultry but good feed to horses and ruminants.

Mucilage forms viscous slime in water. Linamarin and linase produce HCN Linseed cake/meal is not suitable to poultry but good feed to horses and ruminants.