This research, led by Cereal Docks in collaboration with the University of Bologna, University of Pisa, the CNR Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology in Padua, BMR Genomics, and the Bruno Ubertini Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, examines the potential of Camelina cake (CAM) as an alternative protein source for animal nutrition. Specifically, it investigates the effects of increasing CAM levels on the growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets.
Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz], a fast-growing annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, requires minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides, making it suitable for organic production and nitrate absorption in soil. Camelina cake (CAM), a by-product of cold oil extraction, contains a high crude protein content (30%-35%) and residual oil (10%-20%), making it a viable option for animal feed.
The study evaluates the impact of replacing soybean meal with different doses of CAM on the growth, health, and intestinal well-being of weaned piglets. A total of 64 piglets were assigned to either a standard diet or one containing 4%, 8%, or 12% CAM. The findings suggest that CAM improves the resilience of the intestinal microbiome, although higher doses may limit growth performance. The full article is published in The British Journal of Nutrition.
