Annual oilseeds can be incorporated into existing agricultural production systems as rotational crops or in some cases can be produced as primary crops on underutilized lands. The oils produced by these crops are not used as food products, but their seedcake fractions can be suitable for use in livestock feed. Camelina and Castor bean are two commercialized annual oilseed feedstock species, but others such as Cuphea and Crambe are also being studied for their potential application as viable rotational crops.
Camelina sativa
- Camelina is an annual crop with a short growth cycle (85 to 110 days) adapted to temperate climates. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, closely related to rapeseed and flax.
- Native to Eastern Europe, Camelina has been utilized as a minor food and industrial crop for thousands of years. Presence of glucosinolates in the meal and oil limit its suitability for mass consumption by humans and livestock, although its inclusion in feed rations for beef cattle, laying hens, and broilers have been approved in the US.
- Very drought tolerant, Camelina requires as little as 200mm of rainfall during its production cycle. It can thrive in areas receiving as little at 400mm of rainfall annually.
- Camelina has relatively low nutrient requirements and it is well-suited for inclusion in many rotational cropping systems.
- Camelina has been identified as a primary oilseed feedstock for aviation biofuels, and its adoption in North America is being driven by this end-use.
- Camelina is a domesticated species that has undergone limited improvement via applied breeding programs. Dedicated breeding programs by research institutions and private companies are enhancing yields to commercially viable levels.
- Seed oil content ranges from 30 to 40 percent in most varieties, with the oils containing moderate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may add value to meal products by way of specialty feeds and nutraceutical applications.
Other Species of Interest
- Ricinus communis – Castor bean
- Cuphea sp. – Hybrid varieties
- Lesquerella fendleri – Lesquerella, of the Brassicaceae family
- Crambe abyssinica – Crambe, also of the Brassicaceae family