Dairy
Jan 2024
2023 was a year of renewed optimism to the benefits of Omega-3’s for both the enrichment of functional foods and for livestock nutrition. Over the course of the year, we visited and exhibited at various trade shows across North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Trade show attendance in 2023 was excellent with numerous meetings with existing customers as well as many new prospects. The opportunity to meet and discuss sustainable Omega-3 opportunities from land-based sources was done over a wide range of livestock species as well as companion animals.
The team in Atlanta, GA – IPPE
The ability to travel freely provided the O&T team with meetings across our wide network and it was great to see so many new faces. The opportunities for the introduction of functional foods like Omega-3 dairy, Omega-3 chicken and Omega-3 beef is definitely alive across the globe.
In January we started at the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, GA. The IPPE always feels like it’s a homecoming for us, as we enjoy the 50+ years of service to the poultry industry, renewing so many associations with colleagues from around the world. We also had the opportunity to meet new industry leaders; greeting many university associates that are learning the industry and particularly the benefits of Omega-3 nutrition for livestock. O&T is proud to sponsor numerous Omega-3 livestock research projects at the University of Guelph, UC Davis CA, Penn State University, and the University of Florida.
University of Guelph colleagues at IPPE
Continuous learning is a two-way street, and it is part of O&T’s responsibility as an industry leader of Omega-3 feed ingredients to support the various Universities with extension research. Continued Omega-3 breakthroughs for both ruminant and mono-gastric livestock nutritional research continue to foster the expansion and adoption of our linPRO products. We had the pleasure of meeting students focused on Omega-3 poultry research from the University of Guelph at both the National Poultry Show in London, ON and at the IPPE in Atlanta, GA.
These students are researching the benefits of Omega-3’s into breeder hens for both layers and broilers and then focusing of the epigenetic nutritional benefits to their progeny. The University of Guelph research on Omega-3’s and epigenetics supports the benefits of linPRO for poultry nutrition. Keep an eye on our Research page in mid 2024 where we will post these findings as soon as the final broiler manuscript are submitted.
Always a pleasure to see past University research candidates connecting into the industry. We caught up with Aizwarya (Ash) Thanabalan at the National Poultry Show in the spring of 2023. Ash studied at Guelph working with Dr. Elijah Kiarie and focused her PhD thesis on the study of epigenetics and the benefits linPRO onto broiler progeny. Certainly a way for O&T to give support back to the poultry industry and stay at the front of Omega-3 nutritional opportunities.
Aizwarya Thanabalan catching up at the National Poultry Show, London, ON
The team at 2023 VIV Asia – Bangkok, Thailand
In March we returned to Bangkok, Thailand for the 2023 VIV Asia conference where once again we welcomed many collaborators, colleagues, and representatives to our exhibit. We are proud to represent Canada at the largest animal nutrition conference/exhibition in Asia. In fact, we found that the Canadian brand brought trust and value to complement our Omega-3 linPRO messaging. We were encouraged by many attendees who commented on our tradeshow messaging – clean, nutritional, and healthy.
Our colleagues from around the world joined us in Bangkok in representing our linPRO product lines.
As the fall set in we returned to Madison, Wisconsin where we exhibit at World Dairy Expo in the cow coliseum. With over 75,000 attendees, we likely see every one of them pass by the O&T booth as they visit the cow showcase in the Coliseum.
Each of our visits adds to our understanding of the benefits that sustainable Omega-3’s bring to livestock and functional foods. Part of O&T business process is being at the various feed and food shows to support our industry and 2023 was a great year. We want to say thanks to all the customers that trust and support us and to various trade shows that provide the network for us to market and promote healthier and nutritional better Omega-3’s.
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Building Value Added Relationships at VIV MEA 2023 in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dec 2023
O&T Farms was honoured to take part in VIV MEA in Abu Dhabi this past November.
The 4th edition of VIV MEA took place in Abu Dhabi from November 20-22, 2023. As the biggest Feed to Food exhibition in the region, this trade show offered products and trade opportunities from over 500 international exhibitors to MENA region professionals. Over three days, the show encouraged face-to-face meetings, networking, information exchange, and a bustling marketplace with over 10,080 visitors from 113 countries.
Through this incredible week it was such a pleasure partnering and being represented at the Kubbar International booth. The team at Kubbar International were warm, welcoming and gracious with their time and knowledge.
With its headquarters in Kuwait, Kubbar International specializes in import, export, and distribution of an expanding cutting-edge range of animal feeds and feed supplements including Phytobiotics, Probiotics, Performance Enhancers, Feed Enzymes, Vitamins and Minerals, as well as vaccines, Dairy and Poultry Farm equipment and many more.
They partner with innovative clients and distribute to more than one-third of Kuwait’s farms for quality animal health products. They also serve customers located in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Through their innovative products and commitment to excellence, they make the effort to nurture and maintain long term relationships with all whom they work with.
View our images of VIV MEA
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At O&T Farms we’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships and share our linPRO line of products all over the world. We foster exceptional animal health and boosting human nutrition through omega-3 eggs, chicken, beef, dairy and many others. Our goal to spread the news of our sustainable and nutritious products will always be our focus and partnering with so many others who see the value and benefits makes this goal so much more attainable.
Thank you to Kubbar International for hosting us in Abu Dhabi and being a dynamic team we are proud to be associated with.
O&T Farms and the Wiens Family inducted into the Canadian Western Agribition Hall of Fame
Grand Champion Steer ’92
Sep 2023
O&T Farms is honoured to celebrate our founders and the Wiens family who have been inducted into the Canadian Western Agribition Hall of Fame. Brothers, Oscar and Ted Wiens, started the business as an egg laying operation in 1967 in Saskatchewan. By the early 1980s, O&T Farms had become the second largest egg producer in Canada and developed into a diverse agribusiness with expertise in layer, broiler and pullet production, agricultural equipment sales, egg grading and marketing, animal feed and animal feed supplement manufacturing.
Ted and Oscar had different personalities and skill sets which complemented each other well. Ted was the visionary who spearheaded sales and marketing, and Oscar was detail-oriented, making sure that the highest standards were achieved. Over the companies’ earliest years, Oscar and Ted became enthusiastic and tireless supporters of Agribition, recognizing the show’s value to agri-business and international marketing. Ted was involved in the development of the famous Sale of Champions, which began as the Steak and Eggs breakfast. The Sale of Champions was always well-supported by O&T Farms, and as active bidders we often purchased items, including the grand champion eggs.
Hilda Wiens
The most exciting purchase during Agribition bidding came the year that we outbid CN Rail for the Grand Champion steer. We remember the glamour and excitement of the steer show in the old Exhibition Auditorium. Ted, Oscar, Tim and his brother Bob and cousin Don, beamed with pride beside their steer which ended up costing them just over $13,000.
Tim Wiens and his mother Hilda Wiens
Ted Wiens at the famous “egg booth”
The famous “egg booth” supported by the Saskatchewan Poultry Council and O&T Poultry was an Agribition mainstay for years. The original booth was right beside the Poultry Council display, which included live birds and a variety of contests and attractions. For decades, that booth was the most popular breakfast spot on the grounds for livestock exhibitors featuring omelets and smoked turkey sandwiches. It was the long line-up nobody ever minded waiting in, and the food was delicious. As the poultry industry involvement in the show evolved, O&T staff and families gradually took over the operation of the food booth, which continued to operate for many years.
The Wiens family were familiar faces around the grounds for decades, and after Ted’s untimely passing in 1993, Hilda continued to be a fixture at the show. The next generation took up the volunteer commitment challenge, and Ted and Hilda’s son Tim served on the Agribition board for ten years, contributing to many organizational efforts, with a special interest and long-term involvement with the International Business Centre and committee.
As the years have passed, we have transitioned from the original layer and grading operation for eggs, into a specialty feed ingredient manufacturing business. As pioneers in the production of high quality, Omega-3 enhanced feed ingredients, we are utilizing the flaxseed that is grown in Saskatchewan. Adding value to ingredients like flaxseed and pulses through our patented dry-extrusion process we ensure the world knows where to look for nutritionally better ingredients. Our linPRO brand for the Omega-3 specialty livestock and petfood ingredients are now sold world-wide and that is a continuation of the original business model that Oscar and Ted started.
We recognize the importance of Agribition to marketing and sales strategies and that it starts right here in Saskatchewan. Over the years, O&T Farms has been an exhibitor and contributor across several parts of the show, most recently with involvement at the International Forum and Grain Expo.
O&T Poultry 1974
O&T Farms 2023
We are proud of our founders and the family for being recognized for their significant contributions to our business and to the Agribition show. Our team hopes to see you at this years Agribition for the induction of O&T Farms and the Wiens family into the Canadian Western Agribition Hall of Fame.
Healthy Feed – Healthy Animals – Healthy Food
O&T Farms Exhibiting at VIV Asia (Thailand)
(O&T Farms booth at the VIV Asia 2023, Thailand)
As a global leader in land-based Omega-3 livestock ingredients, O&T Farms participated in VIV ASIA, March 8-10, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand. VIV ASIA is the complete feed to food global trade show for Asia. It gathers farmers, breeders, food processors, and agricultural suppliers from across the world. Several of our sales associates along with BMC presented the linPRO branded products at this year’s exhibition. The 2023 VIV ASIA was held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention center in northeast Bangkok and brought with it a single open hall format. It was great to be back and see so many associates after the long wait following the 2019 VIV ASIA exhibition.
The help and support of our associates at IMEX was much appreciated, and both Madison and Claire did excellent work to help us prepare and be part of the Canadian Pavilion. The location on one of the main runways at the show proved to be beneficial and we hope we can continue the association with IMEX in 2025. Thanks Madison and Claire!
O&T Farms brought our linPRO product line, the custom formulated Omega-3 animal feed and pet food ingredient, to the exhibition. LinPRO is made from various blends of full-fat flaxseed, pulses, alfalfa, and canola under O&T Farms patented dry-extrusion process. Our process and product offerings provide stability (added shelf-life), enhanced digestibility, increased bypass % and of course all being highly palatable.
Knowing Asia has the largest population of the world’s continents, it accounts for 20% of total global food and agriculture exports and 31% of total food and agriculture imports. O&T Farms has actively attended the Asian agriculture and food exhibitions, including the International Farmers Summit, VIV China, and VIV Asia, and we stay connected with local businesses in the region. The Asian market is open to progressive feeding solutions and O&T Farms is committed to providing the nutritionally better Omega-3 solution. The 2023 exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to reengage with so many valued associates from Asian and other parts of the world. Thanks to all who attended, those that organized and specifically those associates that came to our part of the exhibition (Booth #3391) to meet our team. Thanks!
Healthy Feed – Healthy Animals – Healthy Food
March 2021
LinPRO-R provides a softer spread to butter
Recent news about specific types of fat sources being fed to dairy cows has created significant media and consumer attention. Questions have arisen on alternate energy sources, sustainability of products and of course the hardness of butter. Alternative energy sources are available and one such opportunity is a protected polyunsaturated fat called linPRO-R. Polyunsaturated fats are softer creating an opportunity to address the texture in butter that everyone has been discussing. On top of this, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats bring a wealth of immunity opportunities for livestock. And lastly…
Made here in Canada
The following is a summary of an alternative energy source. linPRO-R is a protected polyunsaturated fat source, providing energy plus added immunity benefits originating from its flaxseed ingredient source. Flaxseed is an energy-rich Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat that is softer because of their carbon chain. Omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory and are a healthier energy source for the cow. linPRO-R will pass through the cow’s rumen and into the lower intestine, and ultimately into the butter fat creating softer dairy products (cheese, butter).
A series of topics are listed below with a corresponding explanation. An alternative energy source is proposed with possible opportunities that lie ahead. Ultimately, why is table butter no longer soft at room temperature? And why above all, do dairy rations contain palm oil ?
1) Fats and oils: essential dietary energy source for milk production
Lipid supplementation in dairy rations has been used for decades, to some extent for cattle breeding, but largely to increase energy density in the diet. These incremental fat sources improve cow health and performance, and ultimately increase the butter fat in raw milk .
2) The dairy cow’s rumen will by-pass inert C16:0 saturated fats
The raw palm oil being discussed in various media sources is distilled and processed to provide a solid saturated fat product that can be added directly into a lactating dairy diet. This processed product is primarily grown and harvested in Malaysia and Indonesia. The semi-purified processed palm oil is high in C16:0 saturated fat, and will by-pass the rumen. The C16:0 fatty acids are then absorbed by the mammary gland of the dairy cow and and finally into the milk fat. Current nutritional practice for dairy cows has processed palm fats being added at approximately 1.5% (350g to 500g) of total daily dietary intake. The result of using these inert palm fats is an increase of 0.2 – 0.4 percent milk fat.
3) Why #buttergate
The Covid lockdown has made us cook at home and increased consumption of dairy products in Canada by 12%. Positive news!
Canadian dairy farmers have responded to the positive dairy demand by increasing the energy density in dairy cows diets. The added energy inclusion has altered the fat breakdown of milk, including added saturated fats and ultimately increased butter hardness. This has led to further questioning on the health and sustainability of using imported processed palm oil fats as an ongoing dietary energy source for dairy production. The Canadian “buttergate” has led to the distance between animal scientists, human nutritionists and consumers.
4) Is there an alternative and sustainable energy source, here in Canada?
Yes, there are alternative energy sources. linPRO-R is a natural energy source for dairy cows made by dry-extruding several ingredients including flaxseed, alfalfa, vitamin E and dried peas. What makes linPRO-R unique is that it is an easy-to-use, stable source of land-based Omega-3s that can be added to a dairy cow’s diet to provide a rumen protected source of essential fatty acids.
The polyunsaturated fatty acids in linPRO-R are primarily Omega-3’s and are rumen protected, created through O&T Farms dry-extrusion process, and leading to the creation of a unique protein/fat matrix. A picture of that protein/fat matrix is shown at the beginning of this article. This matrix mitigates the biohydrogenation of its fat within the rumen and brings healthy benefits to dairy cows: positive immunity response, reduction of mastitis, improved conception rates and improved milk performance.
Key Nutritional Information of linPRO-R
- Fat % 22% (% Dry Matter)
By-pass rate 35% (% of Fat) - Energy (NEL) 2.68% (Mcal/kg)
- Omega-3 Fat 10.6% (% Dry Matter)
- Protein % 24% (% Dry Matter)
RUP, % CP 58% (% Dry Matter)
A naturally better choice for consumers :
LinPRO-R is rich in the Omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) and offers opportunities for the development of enriched Omega-3 milk products, all naturally. By rebalancing the dietary intake for the cows, fats can be naturally adjusted in the final product to create nutritionally better milk.
- Bring health benefits to consumers (immunity, cardivascular diseases,…)
- Improving biochemical characteristics (i.e. reducing melting points)
A sustainable source
LinPRO-R is made from ingredients grown here in Canada (flaxseed, alfalfa and peas). These are sustainable ingredients that are grown and processed here in Canada and sold world-wide. The ingredients provide a low environmental foot-print and in fact support reduction of nitrogen gas emmisions for cows.
Summary:
A targeted fat feeding program that incorporates linPRO-R into the cow’s diet increases the Omega-3 energy density, reduces negative energy balance during their transition period and increases fertility and milk production. There are alternative energy sources available, and O&T Farms linPRO-R is a source.
Nov 2020
The 2020 Penn State Dairy Cattle Workshop featured Dr. Troy Ott explaining the benefits of an Omega-3 feeding strategy for transition cows.
Dr. Troy Otts November 12, 2020 presentation details Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and the effects on reproduction and immune functions. The premise of the first part of the presentation is that fats are not all equal when discussing dairy rations during the transition period. The transition period is stressful and negative energy and immunity are key criteria that need to be considered. Parametric costs of fat are further explored to understand the imbalance between O6:O3 fat sources in dairy diets. The fact that most fat sources are inflammatory is discussed at length and then digs into how to balance inflammatory and anti-inflamatory fat sources. The presentation is an in-depth analysis of the various unsaturated and saturated fat sources and specifically the anti-inflammatory Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their benefits during the stressful transition period.
Alpha-linolenic (ALA) Omega-3 fats are reviewed and explained; as essential fat sources because they cannot be synthesized by the cow/mammal and must be part of their dietary intake. Further discussion goes on to identify flaxseed as one of the richest sources of essential ALA Omega-3 fats. Flaxseed as a polyunstatureated fat source when left unprotected and introduced to the rumen will cause biohydrogenation, however this is not discussed in the presentation. The biohydrogenation issue caused by raw flaxseed oil is ultimately one of the key benefits of linPRO-R in dairy rations. The linPRO-R manufacturing process, creates a unique protein/fat matrix, providing neccessary fat protection in the rumen with no biohydrogenation.
Molly Fetter ~ Research Associate on the Omega-3 study
Topics included during the presentation and specifically around the transition period:
- Negative energy balance
- Immunity issues during pregnancy
- Chronic inflammation
- Resolution of inflammation
- Uterine infections postpartum – leading to Metritis
Dr.Troy Ott and the research team presented this Omega-3s fatty acid supplementation during the transition period based on collaborative work that O&T Farms and Penn State have done. Over the course of 2015-2019 a series of studies on immunity, conception and production have shown the results of implementing linPRO-R into transition period dairy rations.
Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop
November 12, 2020
Presentation: Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplementation,
Effects on Immune Function and Reproduction
By: Dr. Troy Ott
Professor, Department of Animal Science, Penn State
Dr. Ott is a reproductive biologist that studies establishment and maintenance in pregnancies and particularly how the immune system is involved in that process.
The opportunity to meet with international associates through webinars
Over the course of 2020 there has been a shift in the manner in which we communicate with our stakeholders. The Covid-19 pandemic has had world-wide implications to travel and interpersonal interactions. However, this does not mean that O&T Farms Nutritional Better messaging of Omega-3 Feeds for livestock and food applications has subsided. In fact, during this period there has been internal reflection by the general public, which has led to the realization that nutrition is an extremely important aspect to a healthy life.
The ability to continue to present the benefits of a balanced omega-3/omega-6 diet for both livestock and humans is now accomplished using a different set of presentation formats. Our plane and rental cars have been substituted (at least for now) with the use of webinar application software. Our associates have been innovative in their ability to use these application programs and various other media sources that help present in a professional manner what our Nutritionally Better messaging of Omega-3’s is all about.
The nutritional components that we feed to livestock and ultimately to ourselves has grown in importance over the course of several months. This new-age ability to present to various stakeholders is now done via a screen across the entire world. The saying that “its 5 O’clock somewhere” has never been truer, as it relates to digital communication and that messaging has no time boundaries.
The video below was developed for a set of Webinar presentations that were coordinated by our International Sales Associates team and provides an introduction to what O&T Farms is all about.
June 2020
The modern global dairy market rewards herds with optimized reproductive performance and reduced herd turnover rates.
Herd structure is quickly becoming one of the major key performance indicators for evaluating the sustainability and profitability of a dairy farm, with reproductive performance and herd turnover rates playing a key role in structure management.
Herd turnover rate refers to the number of animals exiting a herd within a defined period of time. Typically, one-third of the dairy herd is culled annually, with a large portion of those culls being categorized as involuntary.
The primary reasons dairy cattle leave the herd include:
- Reproductive inefficiency
- Mastitis
- Metabolic disease
- Injury
The University of Wisconsin presented data at this year’s ADSA annual meeting showing the potential to significantly improve profitability through adjustments to herd structural dynamics. Specifically, by focusing on improving herd pregnancy rates and reducing herd turnover (2020 ADSA Annual Meeting, Abstract 306). By focusing on these two elements, producers can tailor their culling programs to yield more profit by increasing milk yield and reducing the costs associated with rearing replacement heifers.
One potential strategy for improving both reproductive performance and herd turnover, is through nutritional modifications.
LinPRO-R is an extruded flaxseed-based feed ingredient that has been specifically designed for dairy cattle. A recent study from the University of California, Davis, concluded that feeding linPRO-R at a rate of 2.5% DM to early and mid-late lactating dairy cattle results in reduced involuntary culling due to health incidences, with incidence of mastitis showing the greatest improvement (Swanepoel and Robinson, 2019)
Furthermore, researchers from Penn State University recently conducted a trial evaluating the effects of linPRO-R in transition cow diets under commercial conditions. Results from this study are awaiting publication, but they suggest a 24% increase in first service conception rates for 1st lactation heifer when linPRO-R was included in both the close-up and fresh cow rations.
In this modern global dairy market, dairy producers with superior reproductive performance and reduced herd turnover will profit.
May 2020
Breeder feeding strategies including linPRO show promise for improving skeletal integrity of pullets.
Skeletal integrity throughout the life cycle of a laying hen is a critical factor in ensuring bird welfare and flock performance.
With growing numbers of cage-free production systems, the incidence of skeletal related injuries has risen and quickly become one of the major welfare challenges faced by industry today.
In response to these challenges, several research studies have focused on developing strategies to improve overall skeletal health of poultry.
Bone development occurs early in life. Recent pullet-focused research studies have evaluated different nutritional supplementation strategies on long-term bone health in laying hens. However, the pullet phase may not be early enough in the bird’s life to elicit the desired physiological changes.
Maternal feeding strategies continue to be evaluated for their impact on metabolic status, and physiological development during the embryonic period and with the potential for longer term trans-generational effects on performance and health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their health benefits; however, these polyunsaturated fats may also impact bone development.
The mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acid may modify bone metabolism is believed to be through their ability to regulate prostaglandin hormones and inflammatory cytokines.
In collaboration with the University of Guelph’s Dr. Elijah Kiarie, a research study was conducted to investigate the potential impacts of feeding linPRO to pullet breeders and their progeny of skeletal development.
Results from this study reported increased tibia breaking strength and cortical ash content in 12-week old shaver white pullets when the breeder diets contained linPRO at 2.6% of the diet.
“The results demonstrated effectiveness of maternal and post-hatch feeding of omega-3 fatty acid in support of skeletal strength in young pullets which can greatly reduce poor egg shell quality and skeletal maladies seen in laying hens across all housing types.The potential of omega-3 fatty acids in stimulating bone, brain, and immune cells development at embryonic through to early phases of the chick’s life could significantly improve productivity and welfare.”
– Dr. Elijah Kiarie, Assistant Professor in Poultry Nutrition at the University of Guelph
At 18 weeks of age, there was no reported increase in tibia breaking strength when comparing pullets fed a control diet and originating from either a linPRO fed maternal hen or a control fed maternal hen. However, an 8% increase was observed in pullets fed linPRO compared to pullets fed the control diet. These results were further improved when the pullets fed linPRO originated from breeder hens who were also fed linPRO.
Based on the data reported in this study, it was concluded that feeding omega-3 fatty acids to both breeders and progeny was an effective feeding strategy in supporting structural bone in Shaver White pullets.
Complete details of this study have been published in Poultry Science and are available online through the following citation link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2019.12.016
Last Updated: May 20, 2020
Apr 2020
Developmental programming has the greatest application potential for modern chicken production to help meet changing and growing global market demands.
The concept of developmental programing refers to the ability of specific exposures during pre- and early life to result in epigenetic changes that may impact the development, health and production potential of the offspring.
For example, the availability of a specific nutrient in chicken feed – such as omega-3 fatty acids – can result in profound trans-generational effects on the production potential and health of the progeny.
Understanding the implications of these exposures will support the advancement and sustainability of modern poultry production practices.
In collaboration with the University of Guelph’s Dr. Elijah Kiarie, O&T Farms is supporting a series of research studies that investigate the impact of feeding linPRO, as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, to broiler breeders and the subsequent impact on progeny performance.
1. Effects of Feeding Broiler Breeder Hens linPRO with or without a Multienzyme Supplement
The quality of broiler breeder nutrition has the ability to influence chick quality and growth performance, with dietary lipid sources being of particular importance. Dietary fat components within a broiler breeder’s diet influence the fatty acid composition of the egg yolk. These fatty acids play an essential role in prenatal and postnatal development of the chick. Because omega-3 fatty acids play a role in membrane and immune system development, there is growing interest towards increasing yolk concentration of these fatty acids to support chick development.
Although linPRO is commonly used in both commercial layer and broiler operations as a source of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, the nutritive value of this flaxseed-based feed ingredient for broiler breeders had not yet been established. Traditionally, broiler breeder hens are restricted fed to control their predisposition for rapid growth which can result in different digestion capabilities compared to ad libitum fed birds. To ensure accurate feed formulations and to better predict omega-3 deposition into the egg, it was necessary to determine the nutritive value of linPRO in broiler breeder hens.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding linPRO to broiler breeder hens on the nutrient utilization and enrichment of yolk with omega-3 fatty acids.
Results from this study reported maintained egg weights with increased levels of the fatty acids ALA and DHA in the egg yolk of hens fed the linPRO product. These data suggest a high capacity of broiler breeders to convert ALA to very long chain omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA.
The broiler birds fed the linPRO product showed improve apparent metabolizable entery despite lower retained dry matter and protein, compared to the control diet. Additionally, the addition of multienzyme supplement to the linPRO diet did not influence nutrient utilization or fatty acid deposition into the yolk.
Complete details of this study have been published in Poultry Science and are available online through the following citation link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2019.12.062
2.Trans-generational Impact of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Growth Performance and Breast Yield in Broiler Chickens
A common challenge among hatching egg producers is developing strategies to improve the performance and yields of chicks from younger breeder hens. Dietary lipids play an essential role in perinatal growth and development, enriching broiler breeder diets with functional omega-3 fatty acids may improve chick quality and growth performance.Therefore, feeding linPRO as a source of omega-3 fatty acids to breeder hens may support improved chick performance from younger breeding stock.
The objective of this study was to determine transgenerational impact of feeding linPRO to broiler breeders during either the rearing or laying phase on the subsequent 42-day breast yield of progeny
Results of this study are not yet published; however preliminary data are promising. Initial results from this study reported improve chick weights and progeny breast yield from breeder hens fed a source of omega-3 fatty acids. When linPRO was fed to 34-week old breeder hens during either the rearing or the laying phase, initial chick weights improved by ~5% compared to the control. Furthermore, the overall progeny breast yield from hens fed linPRO during the laying phase increased by ~10% compared to the control over a period of 2 hatches.
For more information on this ongoing researhc initiative, be sure to watch PhD candidate Aizwarya Thanabalan’s internview in the video below.
As the project continues to progress, more data and updates will be made available on this cite.
Last Updated: April 1, 2020
