Encapsulation of flaxseed in a dolomitic limematrix: effects on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of steers vs. heifers

Introduction Polyunsaturated fatty acids, when fed to cattle, are subject to extensive alteration by ruminal microbes, effectively converting the polyunsaturated fats into saturated fats. The oil of flaxseed is rich in alpha linolenic acid (~55% of the oil), which is an essential polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acid. Enrichment of feedlot cattle diets with flaxseed has been used effectively as a means of increasing the proportions of omega-3 fatty acids incorporated into beef, but efficiency of transfer from the animal’s diet to beef is relatively low. Encapsulating the flaxseed or flaxseed oil in a matrix that is resistant to the actions of ruminal microbes could provide a mechanism for increasing the efficiency with which polyunsaturated fats are absorbed and deposited into tissues.