Dairy
An interview with our International Sales Manager, Cedric Meymarian on the benefits of linPET for pet food omega-3 enrichment
December 2025
Cedric Meymarian, our International Sales Manager, shared his insights with International Petfood Magazine on our unique sustainable and stable Omega-3 ingredient for pet food applications. O&T Farms developed an Omega-3 ingredient specifically for pet food applications and is seeing increasing demand for this product.
Omega-3s are increasingly important in pet nutrition. What market trends are you seeing, and how is O&T Farms adapting its sales and marketing strategies to meet evolving customer demands?
The worldwide omega-3 demand is increasing every year, not only in pet nutrition but also in swine, poultry, and dairy. Today, we all want the best for our companion animals: high-quality pet food that is sustainable, safe, and good for their health.
At O&T Farms, our challenge is to be able to support this demand by bringing the product which fits our clients’ expectations. As a privately owned company, we have flexibility and a high production capacity. Furthermore, we do grow with our client requests and created the linPET formula working with industry associates and a client.
To continue reading, click here.
What is linPET?
O&T Farms is leading the way in sustainable pet nutrition with linPET, a highly stable, Omega-3 land-based feed ingredient designed specifically for pet food formulations. Made from flaxseed and field peas and utilizing a advanced patented technology process, linPET boasts a shelf life of 14 months, even in tropical climates. This makes it a reliable and sustainable alternative to marine-based Omega-3s, without the sensory issues associated with smell and taste.
The Key Benefits of linPET
linPET delivers a range of health benefits for pets, including:
- Boosting the immune system
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Supporting digestive health
- Promoting a softer, shinier coat
These benefits make linPET an excellent ingredient for pet food manufacturers looking to create high-quality, health-focused products.
Addressing Industry Challenges with linPET
The pet food industry faces challenges like the unreliability of marine-based Omega-3s and the growing demand for sustainable solutions. LinPET offers a great alternative. Unlike fish oil, which oxidizes quickly and can result in spoilage, linPET remains stable and effective over time. This ensures that pet food manufacturers can deliver consistent, high-quality products to their customers By focusing on land-based, sustainable ingredients, O&T Farms is not only addressing the Omega-3 shortage but also setting a new standard for innovation in pet nutrition.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
O&T Farms’ advanced patented technology includes flaxseed, one of the richest sources of land-based Omega-3s, combined with field peas for their unique protein and starch base. This combination ensures excellent absorption and creates a natural barrier, making linPET shelf-stable. As Cedric further explains in the interview, “Sustainability is a key advantage of linPET. Fish oil is becoming less stable due to declining Omega-3 concentrations in fish populations. We can overcome this challenge by using products like linPET, which are 100% land-based and exceptionally stable.”
Transforming Pet Nutrition for a Healthier Future
linPET is more than just a feed ingredient—it’s a solution that supports healthier pets, promotes sustainable farming, and contributes to the wellbeing of the pet food industry. O&T Farms is proud to lead the way in creating products that meet the needs of today’s health-conscious pet owners.
Changing the Sensory and Nutritional Profile of Butter With a Natural Omega-3 Feed Ingredient
Butter has been making a comeback for several years, opening the door to dairy innovations. An article in Hoard’s Dairyman from November 7th, 2025 discussed the growth of the butter segment. This growth is being driven by a reversal of medical opinion on saturated fats. It is a corresponding knock on the health of margarine and its use of cross-linked vegetable oils. For several years O&T Farms has been working with progressive dairy farms demonstrating how Omega-3 enrichment into the feed can change the nutritional profile of dairy products – especially Omega-3 butter.
As noted in the article; butter has had a challenging nutritional reputation due to its high percentage of saturated fat. A pivotal 2014 medical study, however, suggested that saturated fat did not increase heart disease risk. This caused a pivot in consumer, health, and dietician opinion. This medical study sparked a rejuvenation of dairy, with headlines declaring, “Butter is Back.”
Since then, butter demand has continually increased year over year, creating a unique opportunity to innovate and even further enhance the value of butter.
O&T Farm’s contribution to healthier dairy products
O&T Farms has foreseen both the nutritional and sensory opportunity to change the fat profile of butter making it more spreadable (or softer), as well as nutritionally better. By enriching the cows feed with Omega-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), the overabundant saturated fats can be reduced. In turn the Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) are increased in the cow’s milk. These Omega-3 fats are classified as essential and are derived from Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). They are classified as essential fatty acids as humans must make them part of dietary intake as the human body cannot make them. These essential Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain function, cell membranes, and reducing bad cholesterol. This novel Omega-3 feeding program developed by O&T Farms comes from a patented ingredient called linPRO-R.
linPRO-R is a rumen protected product made through an advanced patented manufacturing process, using sustainable land-based ingredients. By replacing some of the cows dietary saturated fats with much more beneficial polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, linPRO-R improves butter’s texture. It also boosts the health profile to the cow as well as to the final dairy products such as butter. This Omega-3 land-based feed ingredient from O&T Farms is made from flaxseed, field peas, and alfalfa, using an advanced patented technology that protects the weak-bonded Omega-3s. This process creates a rumen-protected feed ingredient that significantly improves cattle nutrition. This in turn enhances milk production and naturally enriches the final dairy products with valuable Omega-3s. The result is nutritionally better Omega-3 dairy products that consumers can add to their diet.
Fulfilling Consumer Demand
The demand by consumers for enriched functional foods is growing due to a revitalization of a balanced and nutritionally better diet, supporting their well-being. LinPRO-R is not just making nutritionally better butter. It’s supporting healthier cows, promoting sustainable farming, and contributing to a brighter future for the entire food system. Omega-3 Butter offers anti-inflammatory benefits, a healthier Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, and a softer, more desirable texture. O&T Farms is proud to lead the way in creating dairy products that meet the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers while advancing modern and sustainable agricultural practices
Click here to read the original article on the Hoard’s Dairyman website.
The Human Side of Animal Nutrition in the Gulf Coast Region
December 2025
On our most recent visit to the VIV MEA show in Abu Dhabi, UAE we were once again pleased to be associated with our partner Kubbar International who were incredible hosts and exhibitors of our linPRO products. Working with their world-class team is nothing short of exceptional. They represent O&T Farms and our many Omega-3 ingredient products for species such as Dairy, Chicken and Eggs across the Gulf Coast Region.
Kubbar International operates from offices in five key countries—Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—serving over 15 countries throughout the Gulf. With a cumulative experience of 120+ years, their team is not only passionate about their products but also deeply committed to advancing animal health. This dedication aligns seamlessly with O&T Farms’ mission of enhancing animal nutrition and human health through the power of Omega-3s. By incorporating our linPRO land-based feed ingredients, we’re opening the path to healthier, more functional Omega-3 dairy, Omega-3 chicken, and Omega-3 eggs, enriched to meet the growing demand for health-conscious, nutrient-rich food products.
View our images of VIV MEA
(Click on the images to enlarge them)
VIV MEA in Abu Dhabi, UAE, stands as the premier animal husbandry show in the Middle East, offering an enriched conference program that highlights the latest trends in dairy, poultry, eggs, cattle, and more. This year’s event, spanning three dynamic days, attracted over 10,800 attendees from 110+ countries. The Kubbar International booth was a hub of activity, buzzing with conversations, connections, and a shared vision of transforming the animal health and nutrition industry. Together, we showcased how linPRO is not just a feed ingredient—it’s a catalyst for innovation, higher dairy production, nutrient-packed eggs, and healthier poultry products that align with the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers.
Truly the Human Side of Animal Nutrition.
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October 2025
O&T Farms introduces WDE 2025 to Raised Omega Right program
Visiting World Dairy Expo each year is always exciting, but this year featuring our new Raised Omega Right program to the forefront is next level. Let our VP of Sales & Marketing, Rob Dreger show you around our booth space and some of our promotional materials to learn more. Don’t thank us – thank the cows!
For more about our Raised Omega Right program visit www.raisedomegaright.com
November 2024
linPRO®-BR as a source of Omega 3 and Bypass Protein for dairy cows
As is well known, Omega-3 fatty acids are a very important element in modern 
human nutrition circles. In times past, however, flaxseed (as reported in older books) was widely used in the diets of all dairy animals, being the main “oil meal”. Of course, it was almost always the by-product of oil extraction from flaxseed, but today the interest is more focused on the whole seeds which contain the full complement of oil (over 40%) of which about 50% is the important Omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Interest in feeding cows Omega-3 enriched diets stems from several reports 
indicating improved overall reproductive performance, animal health and reduced methane. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to improved immunity and given the sensitivity of today’s cows to even subclinical forms of several diseases, any help is welcome among dairy producers. In order to feed whole flaxseed, it is important that it is thermally processed; one such treatment is extrusion. It appears that feeding extruded flaxseed may have more benefits in terms of being a good source of bypass protein, thus competing with bypass soy.
To continue reading the full original article in Spanish click here:
November 2024
All in the family
New research shows adding omega-3s to broiler breeder diets improves health and resilience of broiler chicks
As the poultry sector continues exploring alternatives to antibiotics that can support broiler bird health and growth, a groundbreaking study at the University of Guelph took a step back to look at opportunities to first boost the health of broiler breeder hens. The premise was straightforward: feed them omega-3 fatty acids and see if the benefits could be passed on to the broiler chick.
“We wanted to find out that if we enriched the diet of broiler breeder hens with omega-3s, are they able to pass along the benefits through the egg so we have broiler chicks that are stronger and more resilient?” says Dr. Elijah Kiarie, professor of monogastric nutrition and McIntosh Family Professorship in Poultry Nutrition at the University of Guelph, who oversaw the research with his graduate student Dr. Aizwarya (Ash) Thanabalan.
To continue reading the full article click here:
https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=833182&p=8&view=issueViewer&pp=1
Aug 2024
Through the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agropur wants to develop a dry-extruded flaxseed-based feeding strategy that could reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by at least 9.2%.
In July, this idea earned Agropur a spot among the challenge’s 13 semi-finalists out of 86 applications received. The instigator of the project at Agropur, agronomist Sophie Neveux, who holds the title of Head of Sustainable Agriculture, is excited by the feeding strategy she is developing.
“We think it is an innovative solution that will be interesting for dairy producers, because it replaces an ingredient already in the ration. It is not an addition, but a replacement.”
Sophie Neveux
Sophie specifies that the literature already documents the benefits of rations based on flax seeds, rich in omega-3, on the health, animal welfare and milk yield of cows. However, there were indications that it also helped reduce enteric methane emissions. The flax is produced in Canada and the commercial ingredient – obtained through a dry extrusion process using pressure and heat to modify the structure of the seeds’ proteins and make them more digestible for animals – is already patented by Agropur’s partner, O&T Farms in Regina, Saskatchewan. “So it’s not the ingredient that’s innovative,” she says, “but the feeding strategy containing this commercial ingredient.”
A 2008 scientific report estimated a methane reduction of 15 to 40 per cent. Another from 2023 came to a reduction of about 9.2 per cent.
In July, 13 selected semi-finalists each received $153,000 to write an implementation plan for their project. If they qualify for the next stage, they will receive up to $230,000 in funding in the spring of 2025 to implement the solution.
For Agropur, this would mean funding a research project at Université Laval’s experimental dairy farm. The farm is equipped with GreenFeeds, devices that cows pull their noses into to feed and that capture the amount of methane exhaled. “We will provide percentages of this flaxseed extrusion in the dairy cow’s feed and see the reduction in methane that we will be able to measure concretely,” says Ms. Neveux. She intends to test rations at 0%, 2.5%, 7.5% and 10% of the commercial ingredient, which is similar to a mixture of crushed flaxseed, in the dry matter intake.
At the same time, the project aims to create an algorithm that could be included in milk producers’ carbon footprint tools. “It could be an option in the drop-down menu that the producer can select to say: ‘This year, I did something new and additional. I included flax seed extrusion in my ration at rate X and therefore, the methane reduction calculation will be done automatically,’” explains the agronomist.
To this end, Agropur will work with Logiag, a carbon footprint service provider in Montérégie, to develop the algorithm. This, she believes, will make life easier for producers who will use the solution on the farm. The research project also includes a cost and return on investment analysis for the producer.
On-farm tests in 2026
In the third stage of the challenge, in the spring of 2026, the 10 finalists selected will be awarded an amount of up to $500,000. If selected, Agropur will then test the solution with dairy producers who are members of the cooperative. A carbon footprint will be conducted on participating farms before the ingredient is included and another after to continue to demonstrate that the ingredient works. Working with nutritionists and producers, she will assess the viability, feasibility and ease of the solution on the farm.
Agropur will also analyze the effects of flax on the milk produced. “We wonder if there are other benefits that could be interesting for us, as a dairy processor,” says Sophie Neveux. “Will milk or dairy products have an interesting behavior or profile for consumers? That’s also part of our investigation with the challenge.”
The grand finale in 2028
At the end of 2028, the two finalists with the most impressive results will be awarded an amount of up to $1 million each. If Agropur’s adventure and its partners was to end before, Sophie Neveux does not rule out seeking funding elsewhere to complete the project.
Other Quebec initiatives in the running
Two other Quebec solutions caught the attention of the judges of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge in July. Université Laval in Quebec City is working on a biofiltration concept, which consists of transforming methane in the air into carbon dioxide and water vapour using an organic substrate containing bacteria.
Mon Système Fourrager in Montreal helps producers adopt enteric methane reduction strategies using a forage system decision-making tool.
It should also be noted that the Semex Alliance in Guelph, Ontario, of which Lactanet is a partner, is focusing on genetic selection of cattle to reduce enteric methane emissions.
Semex proposes to develop a selection protocol for genetic traits associated with low methane production and an incentive strategy to encourage breeders to integrate them into their herds. Semex also seeks to evaluate the results over time.
Photo courtesy of Agropur
July 2024
O&T Farms, in collaboration with Agropur Cooperative, is excited to announce their selection as one of 13 semi-finalists from among 86 applications received in the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge (Challenge | Impact Canada). The project, titled “Implementing a dry-extruded linseed-based feed ingredient to Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions on Canadian Dairy Farms”, uses O&T’s feed ingredient linPRO®-R. This federal competition challenged candidates to devise an economically viable and scalable methane-reduction practice for Canadian beef and dairy cattle.
O&T Farms is a pioneer and leader in the animal nutrition field, offering the most effective and efficient land-based feed ingredient for Omega-3s in the world. The company takes a collaborative approach to help its clients enhance animal health and Omega-3 enriched human products. Agropur is a dairy manufacturer that works with some of the most prominent food, beverage and nutrition brands in the world.
Using O&T Farms patented, dry-extruded flaxseed product (linPRO-R) as a feed ingredient, this project proposes the development of an innovative, scalable feeding strategy for reducing enteric methane emissions on Canadian dairy farms. Polyunsaturated fats, when consumed by dairy cows, may reduce enteric methane; however, there can be adverse effects, such as butter fat depression, when incorporating these fats into the diet due to biohydrogenation in the rumen. linPRO-R is a unique product, due to the creation of a protein/fat matrix, which is a result of a proprietary and patented ingredient and manufacturing process. Ultimately, the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats in linPRO-R are rumen-protected and result in the utilization of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats by the dairy cow without butter fat depression. The novel results of using linPRO-R include component corrected milk, positive health effects for the dairy cow, the ability to enrich the milk fat with Omega-3s and the potential to reduce enteric methane.
O&T Farms manufactures linPRO-R at their facilities in Saskatchewan, and they are pleased to partner with Agropur in developing and testing this solution for Canadian dairy farmers. For more than 50 years, O&T Farms has provided all-natural, land-based feed solutions to livestock producers, feed suppliers, and vertically integrated livestock processors. O&T Farms looks forward to supporting Agropur on this exciting undertaking, and for the new opportunities that this proposed feeding strategy may provide to sustainable farming initiatives in Canada.
July 2024
Although advanced genetics, nutrition and management have led to increased efficiency in broiler hen production, they are still often afflicted by physiological and metabolic disorders which lead to economic losses for producers. As genetic advancements increase production efficiency, the embryonic and immediate post-hatch time period becomes critical for production viability of broilers.
Recent published research from the University of Guelph investigated the effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on breeder hens and their progeny for growth and health.
Key Takeaways
linPRO increased body weight (BW) of progeny
linPRO increased breast weight yield of progeny
linPRO improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of progeny
Drs. Aizwarya Thanabalan and Elijah G. Kiarie had their research results published in Poultry Science on May 22, 2024. Their research analyzed the effects of linPRO, an Omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) feed ingredient, compared to an Omega-3 microalgae docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) feed ingredient as well as a control diet (no Omega-3 enrichment) on breeder hens and their progeny for performance and health. Positive performance results were documented from this research when linPRO was fed to broiler breeder hens.
The complete report is available online through the following citation link:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103796
Jul 2024
(Published Manuscript)
Introduction
Although advanced genetics, nutrition and management have led to increased efficiency in broiler chicken production, they are still often afflicted by physiological and metabolic disorders which lead to economic losses for producers. As genetic advancements increase production efficiency and lead to a shorter life to slaughter timeframe, the embryonic and immediate post-hatch time period become critical for production viability of broilers.
Drs. Aizwarya Thanabalan and Elijah G. Kiarie
The breeder hen’s diet supplies nutrients to the hatching egg which is critical for embryonic development. Specifically, energy and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic (ALA), supplied by the egg act as critical nutrient sources during embryogenesis and early post-hatch. Supplied through the breeder hen’s diet, ALA, provides longer chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA). Consequently, there is vast potential for improvements to production and health through the nutritional supplementation of n3-PUFA in breeder hen diets. In addition, due to increased public pressure to limit usage of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP), research efforts have focused on identifying specialty feed additives to act as alternatives to AGP in reducing disease in broiler chicken production.
However, there is still a knowledge gap regarding breeder hen nutrition, specifically the impact of n3-PUFA in breeder hen diets and its impact on progeny performance, health and welfare.
Objectives
University of Guelph research investigated the impact of supplementing Omega-3 polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in the broiler breeder hen diet on progeny performance.
Experiment
The experiment was conducted at the Arkell Poultry Research Station, University of Guelph (Guelph, ON, Canada). Five hundred and eighty-eight pullets and 60 cockerels (Ross 708) were sourced from Aviagen (Aviagen Inc., Huntsville, AL, USA). The pullets and cockerels were floor raised and grouped based on the assigned rearing and laying diet.
Starting at 23 weeks of age Breeders (rearing and laying) were allocated to dietary treatments: (1) control (CON); (2) CON + 1% Microalgae (Aurantiochytrium limacinum) fermentation product, DHA source diet (DMA); or (3) CON + 2.5% co-extruded full-fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (50/50, wt/wt; linPRO, O&T Farms), ALA source diet (linPRO). Chicks (Progeny) were hatched from eggs collected from the breeder hens at 34, 44 and 54 weeks of age, and were raised in metabolic cages within their breeder treatment groups. 
Progeny from CON breeders remained in CON and progeny from DMA and linPRO breeders were divided into post hatch treatments with the 5 post-hatch (progeny) treatments being CON-CON, DMA-CON, linPRO-CON, DMA-DMA and linPRO-linPRO. Diets for progeny were formulated as 2-phase: starter (d 1-10) and grower/finisher (d 11-42). Health and performance of progeny was followed from hatch to d-42, with chicks being challenged with Eimeria culture on d-10 post hatch. Chemical analyses was performed on the diets to determine nutrient concentration (dry matter, crude protein and crude fat) and diets 2 and 3 were formulated to provide similar n-3 and n-6 ratios. Measurements throughout the experiment included live bodyweight, intestinal lesions, tibia and organ weight (liver, spleen, bursa, and breast), blood immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the progeny, and fatty acids concentration in the hatching eggs.
Implications
Research into the impact of Omega-3 feed ingredients on breeder hens and their progeny is critical for industry progress. Results from the research show that breeder hen nutrition and the successive feeding of linPRO can influence the long-term health and welfare of progeny. Compared to CON, both DMA and the linPRO feeding program increased n-3 PUFA concentration in hatching eggs and progeny diets. During the starter phase DMA and linPRO diets improved feed conversion ratio compared to CON.
Including linPRO in diet improved FCR
Progeny of linPRO breeder hens had higher body weight
When compared to DMA, feeding linPRO to breeder hens and their progeny increased the breast weight of progeny.
Successive feeding of linPRO increased breast weight in progeny.
No differences were observed in duodenum lesions scores, organ weight or plasma IgA between diets but successive DMA exposure led to increased jejunum lesion scores compared to control and linPRO fed birds.
Key Takeaways
Acknowledgements
O&T Farms thanks Drs. Aizwarya Thanabalan and Elijah G. Kiarie. The published research paper in Poultry Science can be read in its entirety by clicking the button below. Significance of successive feeding of sources of n-3 fatty acids to breeder hens and their progeny on growth performance, intestinal lesion scores, lymphoid organs weight and plasma immunoglobulin A in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. (2024). Poultry Science 103: 1-12.
