August 20, 2010

Camelina available as feed for laying hens in the US

The North American Camelina Trade Association (NACTA) has received a letter of no objection from the Centre for Veterinary Medicine, for the use of camelina meal in the diets of laying hens for up to 10% of the weight of the total ration.

Camelina meal is a co-product of camelina oil extraction.

Camelina meal has already received a letter of no objection from the FDA for inclusion in up to 10% of the weight of the total ration of broiler chickens and beef cattle based on previous studies. This latest inclusion in the diet of laying hens was the result of a detailed study conducted by Great Plains - The Camelina Company, using FDA approved protocol at Texas A&M's University Poultry Research Centre.

NACTA was formed in February 2009 by 13 camelina seed companies, processors and researchers. The association works to promote research, production and the development of new markets for camelina - a relatively new energy crop in North America that has exciting potential.

"The addition of the laying hen market for camelina meal feeding is a step forward in building a strong, long-term market for camelina production," said Sam Huttenbauer, secretary of NACTA. "This market provides camelina producers an important additional meal outlet for this excellent feed source."

Camelina sativa, also known as gold of pleasure or false flax, is a member of the mustard family and a distant relative to canola. It is a fast-growing, short-season crop that requires less water and fewer inputs than many crops. Its high oil content and other properties make it a great fit for biofuel production, and interest in the crop has grown significantly in recent years.