Sunflower oils may help produce fuel and feed for herds

Washington, July 24 (ANI): Scientists have found that oil extracted directly from oilseedrape and sunflower seeds can be used as fuel as well as nutritious animal feed.

The Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development -Neiker-Tecnalia researchers have shown that the oil extracted directly from oilseedrape and sunflower seeds can be added to gasoil in a proportion of up to 30 percent, without problems for the engines and no need of modifications.

In parallel, the oilcake contains between 16 and 20 percent of fatty matter and between 25 and 27 percent of protein, according to samples analysed in the research centre's laboratories.

Moreover, they provide better information on the traceability of the protein destined for animal feed.

The farmer can use the oil for own-consumption as fuel, with the consequent cost savings, or sell it at a price of between 67 and 84 cents of a euro.

Rape-cake and sunflower-cake are rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, essential fatty acids and precursors of the Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acid families.

Sheep fed with this material show a profile of fatty acids with enhanced nutritional qualities. (ANI)