camelina

[reverie]

Does anyone know if camelina (false flax) is ok to feed to rabbits?

 

[Frecs]

Do you have the botanical (scientific) name for the plant?

 

[reverie]

camelina is the scientific name... from wikipedia: 'Camelina is a genus within the flowering plant family Brassicaceae'

 

[Frecs]

Camelina sativa

from: http://www.susoils.com/camelina/

Camelina sativa is a member of the mustard family, a distant relative to canola, and an exciting new player on the biofuels scene.
Camelina typically contains 35-38% oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acid. This makes the oil fit for biofuels production and the meal a good option for livestock feed. Sustainable Oils has led an industry coalition that has secured approvals for feeding in rations for broilers, laying chickens, feedlot beef cattle and swine, and is working to secure camelina meal approvals for all animal uses.

I checked, it is non-GMO.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Brassicas are known to cause gas, so start with small amounts until your rabbits develop the gut flora to handle it.

Whenever testing a new food, I always use a "test rabbit" that is destined to be culled anyway. Just because the plant is safe for one class of animal doesn't necessarily mean it will be safe for others. Generally if goats can eat it, I consider it likely that rabbits will be able to eat it as well.

 

[Frecs]

Unfortunately, there is not yet a write up in feedipedia about it...I'd do as MSD suggests and try it one rabbit first.

 

[reverie]

thanks!