Method of increasing omega-3 content in poultry

Abstract

A feed supplement for poultry consisting of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and flaxseed. The supplement is prepared using a dry extrusion process. Also described is a method of using the feed supplement to increase omega-3 fatty acids in poultry products, such as eggs.

1 . A method of preparing a feed component for poultry, comprising:
 grinding a quantity of DDGS into a meal;   mixing a quantity of intact oilseeds with the meal, thereby forming a mixture;   heating the mixture to a temperature between about 220 F to about 320 F; and   extruding the mixture.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the oilseeds are selected from the group consisting of flax, sunflower, safflower, rapeseed, canola, soybean and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of adding a stabilizer to the extruded mixture. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the additive includes adding an enzyme to the extruded mixture to aid in digestibility. 
     
     
         5 . A method of increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in a poultry product comprising:
 identifying a bird fed a standard feed ration;   feeding the bird a modified feed ration, wherein the modified feed ration is the standard feed ration with at least 1-15% of the standard feed ration contents replaced by a feed prepared by:
 grinding a quantity of DDGS into a meal; 
 mixing a quantity of intact oilseeds with the meal, thereby forming a mixture; 
 heating the mixture to a temperature between about 220 F to about 320 F; 
 extruding the mixture; and 
   obtaining the poultry product from the bird, wherein the poultry product has an increased omega-3 fatty acid level when compared to a poultry product obtained from a similar bird fed the standard feed ration.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the poultry product is an egg.