Question

What is linseed meal, and is its use widespread in the horse industry?

Answer

The by-product of linseed oil extraction from flax is linseed meal. Linseed oil is typically not used in the feed industry. However, linseed meal is a source of low-quality protein suitable for adult horses. Because it is deficient in lysine, an amino acid critical for growth, linseed meal is an inappropriate protein source for young stock. With superior protein sources available, namely lysine-rich soybean byproducts, more horsemen today use mechanically processed linseed meal to improve coat condition. Linseed meal produced by mechanical means has a higher fat content than that produced by solvent processing. The increase of fat in the ration adds much revered bloom to the coat.