Effects of feeding oilseeds on nutrient utilization by lactating ewes

Sixteen lactating ewes were used to determine the effects of oilseed supplementation (i.e. canola seed, sunflower seed and flaxseed) on dry matter (DM) intake and total tract nutrient digestibilities. Ewes were fed diets containing no oilseed (C), canola seed (CS), sunflower seed (SF), or flaxseed (FS). Oilseed supplementation had no effect on DM intake or total tract fiber digestibility. Ewes fed FS had a higher (P < 0.05) DM digestibility than those fed CS or C. Oilseed supplementation improved (P < 0.05) total tract digestibility of C18:1 while total fatty acid digestibility was improved (P < 0.05) by feeding FS and SF. It was concluded that oilseed supplementation had no effect on DM intake or nutrient utilization by lactating ewes.