Camelina Seed for our Goats and Chickens

We purchase our animal feed in 300 lb barrels from a local farmer (Jordan Coe) that makes a monthly trip up to the Canadian border.  It is an organic mix of grains that contains soy as the major protein source.  Studies have shown that soy in animal feed have high levels of phytic acid that reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Jordan found a local (Bellingham) suppler that uses only Washington State grown grains in his mix, and has replaced soy with Camelina meal, which as the same amount of protein but is 35-40% linolenic acid (omega-3) compared to canola (8%) and soy (1%). Additionally, camelina oil contains high amounts of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.

Omega-3 Rich Eggs and Goat Milk from our Farm

Camelina meal was analyzed as an ingredient for production of omega-3 rich eggs. This study was done in collaboration with Nick Dale at the University of Georgia.  The content of omega-3 in the egg increased with increasing camelina content in the feed.  Camelina meal has also been evaluated for production of omega-3 enriched goat milk. Similar to poultry, milk from camelina-fed goats contained increased concentrations of omega-3.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health but the body can not make them -- you have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease.

I have always believed our chicken eggs and goat milk is of a much superior quality to anything we can purchase in the store - now we have enhanced Omega-3 chicken eggs and milk!  The added plus is that we are buying local.