Oil beneficial

Scientists from James Cook University in Australia have found lambs fed canola or flaxseed oil have improved growth rates and contain more of a beneficial fatty acid that protects against disease — all with no loss in their wool quality. JCU Associate Professor of Animal Nutrition and Genetics Aduli Malau-Aduli said increased incidences of central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers in modern times have been associated with high consumption of red meat. “This is due to the high levels of saturated fatty acids and low levels of the beneficial long-chain omega3 polyunsaturated (n-3 PUFA) fatty acids in typical red meat meals,” he said. Lambs fed canola oil and flaxseed oil had an approximately two-fold increase in n3-PUFA compared to those not fed supplements.