January 19, 2007

Australian scientists propose feeding fishmeal to pigs
 

Australian scientists say pork with less fat content can be produced if fish meal can be fed to pigs.

The pork produced would be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, according to the study, which was set up with Bartlett Grain and Australian Pork. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce incidences of heart diseases.

University of South Australia researcher Alison Coates said people could now benefit from eating omega-3 enriched pork.

Study participants were fed five 200 gramme serves of the omega-3-rich pork each week for a couple of weeks, with the results showing a decrease in triglyceride, or DHA fats.

There was an increase in the incorporation of good fats into cell membranes, and what that did was reduce the bad fats in circulation, which reduces the risk of heart disease," Dr Coates said.

Dr Coates said that based on multiple studies conducted, the pork or other omega-3-enriched foods would not smell like fish.

Several pig farms across Australia are beginning to use the odour-free feed and it has also been made available to poultry farms.

Due to the difference in digestive systems, it would be unlikely that fishmeal would have the same effect on cows and sheep, the researchers said.